U.S. patent application number 17/195071 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-24 for mechanical user control elements for fluid input module.
The applicant listed for this patent is TELEFLEX LIFE SCIENCES PTE. LTD.. Invention is credited to Oron ZACHAR.
Application Number | 20210187226 17/195071 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005444523 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210187226 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
ZACHAR; Oron |
June 24, 2021 |
MECHANICAL USER CONTROL ELEMENTS FOR FLUID INPUT MODULE
Abstract
A cleaning catheter includes an inflatable element and an input
module, which includes an inflation chamber coupled in fluid
communication with the inflatable element. A flow regulator defines
a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with a suction
source. A mechanical suction-control button is configured to assume
at least first and second spatial positions. A mechanical
inflation-control button is configured to mechanically and
non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflation
chamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control
button from a first spatial position to a second spatial position;
and a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with
respect to the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least
first and second spatial positions.
Inventors: |
ZACHAR; Oron; (Tel Aviv,
IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TELEFLEX LIFE SCIENCES PTE. LTD. |
Singapore |
|
SG |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005444523 |
Appl. No.: |
17/195071 |
Filed: |
March 8, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15595250 |
May 15, 2017 |
10946153 |
|
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17195071 |
|
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62336894 |
May 16, 2016 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 1/76 20210501; A61M
2209/10 20130101; A61M 16/0463 20130101; A61M 16/044 20130101; A61M
1/85 20210501; A61M 1/774 20210501 |
International
Class: |
A61M 16/04 20060101
A61M016/04; A61M 1/00 20060101 A61M001/00 |
Claims
1. Apparatus for use with a tracheal ventilation tube and a suction
source, the apparatus comprising: (A) a cleaning catheter, which is
insertable into the ventilation tube and comprises: (i) an
elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body, which is shaped so
as to define (a) one or more distal suction orifices, (b) a suction
lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and (ii) an inflatable element,
which is mounted to the catheter main body; and (B) an input
module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, and comprises:
(i) an inflation module, which comprises an inflation chamber,
wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of the inflation
chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the inflatable
element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a
suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction
source; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is
configured to assume at least first and second spatial positions;
(iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is configured to
(a) assume at least first and second spatial positions, and (b)
mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in the interior
of the inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position; and (v) a reversibly-engageable linking
element, which is moveable with respect to the mechanical
suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button,
and is configured to assume at least first and second spatial
positions, wherein the input module is arranged such that: at least
when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first spatial
position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication between the
suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at least when
the mechanical suction control button is in its second spatial
position, the flow regulator connects the suction source and the
distal suction orifices in fluid communication via the suction
lumen, when (a) the linking element is in its first spatial
position and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and the
mechanical inflation-control button are in their respective first
spatial positions: depression of the linking element does not
transition the mechanical inflation-control button to its second
spatial position, and when (a) the linking element is in its second
spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and
the mechanical inflation-control button are in their respective
first spatial positions: depression of the linking element
transitions the mechanical inflation-control button to its second
spatial position.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linking element
is arranged to axially slide between its first and second spatial
positions.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and the
second spatial positions of the linking element are first and
second axial positions, and wherein the linking element is
configured to assume at least the first and the second axial
positions.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and the
second spatial positions of the mechanical suction-control button
are first and second radial positions, and wherein the mechanical
suction-control button is configured to assume at least the first
and the second radial positions, and wherein the first and the
second spatial positions of the mechanical inflation control button
are first and second radial positions, and wherein the mechanical
inflation control button is configured to assume at least the first
and the second radial positions.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the linking element
is moveably attached to the mechanical suction-control button.
6. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input module is
arranged such that the linking element, when in its first spatial
position, does not engage the mechanical inflation-control
button.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input module is
arranged such that the linking element, when in its second spatial
position, engages the mechanical inflation-control button.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical
suction-control button is disposed proximally to the mechanical
inflation-control button.
9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the suction port is
coupled in fluid communication with the suction source.
10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inflation
chamber has a volume of between 1 and 10 cc when the first
mechanical control element is in its first spatial position.
11. The apparatus according to any one of claim 1, wherein the
mechanical suction-control button covers a portion of the
reversibly-engageable linking element.
12. The apparatus according to any one of claim 1, wherein the
mechanical suction-control button is shaped so as to define a
suction control user interface surface, at least a portion of which
is visible from outside the input module, wherein the mechanical
inflation-control button is not shaped so as to define a user
interface surface, wherein the input module is arranged such that
when (a) the linking element is in its first spatial position and
(b) the mechanical suction-control button is in its first spatial
position: depression of the suction-control user interface surface
transitions the mechanical suction-control button to its second
spatial position, and wherein the input module is arranged such
that when (a) the linking element is in its second spatial position
and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial
positions: depression of the suction-control user interface surface
causes a first transition of the mechanical suction-control button
to its second spatial position, which first transition, via the
linking element, causes a second transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button to its second spatial position.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein at least 1 cm2 of
the suction-control user interface surface is visible from outside
the input module.
14. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the input module
is arranged such that the second transition occurs simultaneously
with the first transition.
15. The apparatus according to any one of claim 1, wherein the
mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button are biased toward their respective first
spatial positions.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the input module
comprises one or more springs that are arranged to bias the
mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button toward their respective first spatial
positions.
17. The apparatus according to any one of claim 1, wherein the
inflation chamber comprises (a) rigid lateral chamber walls, and
(b) a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an airtight seal
with the rigid lateral chamber walls, and wherein the input module
is configured such that the transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position moves the moveable rigid compression wall
with respect to the rigid lateral chamber walls, thereby
mechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure in the
interior of the inflation chamber.
18. The apparatus according to any one of claim 1, wherein the
inflation chamber comprises an elastic compartment, and wherein the
input module is configured such that the transition of the
mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position
to its second spatial position compresses the elastic compartment,
thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure
in an interior of the elastic compartment.
19. The apparatus according to any one of claim 1, wherein the
mechanical inflation-control button is configured to increase the
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber by mechanically
and non-electrically compressing the inflation chamber during the
at least a portion of the transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position.
20. A method for use with a tracheal ventilation tube and a suction
source, the method comprising: providing a cleaning catheter, which
is insertable into the ventilation tube and comprises (i) an
elongate, flexible, tubular catheter main body, which is shaped so
as to define (a) one or more distal suction orifices, (b) a suction
lumen, and (c) an inflation lumen; and (ii) an inflatable element,
which is mounted to the catheter main body; providing an input
module, which is coupled to the cleaning catheter, and comprises
(i) an inflation module, which comprises an inflation chamber,
wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior of the inflation
chamber in fluid communication with an interior of the inflatable
element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a
suction port coupleable in fluid communication with the suction
source; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button, which is
configured to assume at least first and second spatial positions;
(iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is configured to
(a) assume at least first and second spatial positions, and (b)
mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in the interior
of the inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position; and (v) a reversibly-engageable linking
element, which is moveable with respect to the mechanical
suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button,
and is configured to assume at least first and second spatial
positions, wherein the input module is arranged such that: (A) at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first
spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication
between the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its second
spatial position, the flow regulator connects the suction source
and the distal suction orifices in fluid communication via the
suction lumen, (B) when (a) the linking element is in its first
spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and
the mechanical inflation-control button are in their respective
first spatial positions: depression of the linking element does not
transition the mechanical inflation-control button to its second
spatial position, and (C) when (a) the linking element is in its
second spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button are in their
respective first spatial positions: depression of the linking
element transitions the mechanical inflation-control button to its
second spatial position; coupling the suction portion in fluid
communication with the suction source; and inserting the cleaning
catheter, in a proximal to distal direction, into the ventilation
tube inserted in a trachea of a patient, and advancing the cleaning
catheter until a distal end of the catheter main body is axially
disposed in the ventilation tube at a location more distal than an
axial mid-point of the ventilation tube.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/595,250, filed May 15, 2017, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/336,894, filed
May 16, 2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
FIELD OF THE APPLICATION
[0002] The present invention relates generally to medical suction
catheter devices, and specifically to catheter devices for
aspiration of tracheobronchial secretions and/or cleaning of
tracheal ventilation tubes.
BACKGROUND OF THE APPLICATION
[0003] Suction catheters are commonly used to aspirate
tracheobronchial fluids in patients ventilated with endotracheal
tube (ETT) and tracheostomy tube devices. A problematic aspect of
the use of suction catheters is the presence of bacterial biofilm
within the ETT lumen through which the suction catheter passes.
Consequently, as the suction catheter is inserted, there is high
risk of it carrying bacterial biofilm from the ETT lumen deeper
into the bronchial tree where the suction catheter reaches, and
thereby increasing the risk of lung infection. Moreover, buildup of
substantial biofilm thickness reduces the effective free lumen of
the ETT for air passage. Therefore, there is a need for maintaining
cleaner ETT lumens between suction operations, and preventing
buildup of significant biofilm thickness.
[0004] UK Publication GB 2482618 A to Einav et al., which is
assigned to the assignee of the present application and is
incorporated herein by reference, describes a multi-lumen catheter
for multiple fluids conduction, including balloon inflation with
air via an inflation lumen, suction via a suction lumen, and
cleaning fluids delivery via a cleaning fluid-delivery lumen.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 8,999,074 to Zachar et al., which is assigned
to the assignee of the present application and is incorporated
herein by reference, describes a cleaning catheter that includes
fluid-delivery and suction lumens. A flow regulator defines suction
and fluid ports. A mechanical user control element is configured to
mechanically and non-electrically set activation states of the flow
regulator, and transition between first and third configurations
via a second configuration. When the control element is in the
first configuration, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication
(a) between the suction port and the suction lumen and (b) between
the fluid port and the fluid-delivery lumen. When the control
element is in the second configuration, the flow regulator effects
fluid communication between the suction port and the suction lumen,
and blocks fluid communication between the fluid port and the
fluid-delivery lumen. When the control element is in the third
configuration, the flow regulator effects fluid communication (a)
between the suction port and the suction lumen and (b) between the
fluid port and the fluid-delivery lumen.
SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION
[0006] Some applications of the present invention provide a
multi-lumen catheter for cleaning an inner surface of a tracheal
ventilation tube. Some techniques of the present invention enable
single-handed simultaneous activation of inflation of an inflatable
element and suctioning in a closed suction system for use with the
tracheal ventilation tube. A closed auction system allows catheters
to be used repeatedly without being detached from the tube system
including the ventilation air supply. Applications of the present
invention generally provide simple user control of conduction of
fluids under positive and negative pressure (suction).
[0007] The cleaning catheter is insertable into the tracheal
ventilation tube, and is shaped so as to define one or more distal
suction orifices. The cleaning catheter comprises an elongate,
flexible, tubular catheter main body, and an inflatable element,
which is mounted to the catheter main body, typically at a location
within 3 cm of at least one of the one or more distal suction
orifices. An input module is coupled to the cleaning catheter, and
comprises an inflation module, which comprises an inflation chamber
separate from the suction source. The input module also comprises a
flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a suction port
coupleable in fluid communication with the suction source.
[0008] In some configurations, the input module further comprises:
[0009] a mechanical suction-control button, which is configured to
assume at least first and second spatial positions; [0010] a
mechanical inflation-control button, which is configured to (a)
assume at least first and second spatial positions, and (b)
mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure in the interior
of the inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position; and [0011] a reversibly-engageable linking
element, which is moveable with respect to the mechanical
suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button,
and is configured to assume at least (a) a first spatial position,
in which the linking element does not engage the mechanical
suction-control button when the mechanical suction-control button
is in its second spatial position (and, optionally, prevents the
transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position), and (b) a
second spatial position,
[0012] In these configurations, the input module is arranged such
that: [0013] at least when the mechanical suction-control button is
in its first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid
communication between the suction source and the distal suction
orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control button
is in its second spatial position, the flow regulator connects the
suction source and the distal suction orifices in fluid
communication via the suction lumen, and [0014] when (a) the
linking element is in its second spatial position and (b) the
mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial
positions: depression of the linking element transitions both the
mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button to their respective second spatial
positions, typically such that the linking element engages both the
mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button at least when the mechanical
suction-control button is in its second spatial position (and
typically also when the mechanical suction-control button is in its
first spatial position).
[0015] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that transitioning of the linking element from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position simultaneously (a) unlocks
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position, and (b) links the mechanical suction-control button with
the mechanical inflation-control button.
[0016] In other configurations, the input module further comprises
a reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with
respect to the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least
first and second spatial positions. The input module is arranged
such that: [0017] at least when the mechanical suction-control
button is in its first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks
fluid communication between the suction source and the distal
suction orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control
button is in its second spatial position, the flow regulator
connects the suction source and the distal suction orifices in
fluid communication via the suction lumen, [0018] when (a) the
linking element is in its first spatial position and (b) the
mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial
positions: depression of the linking element does not transition
the mechanical inflation-control button to its second spatial
position, and [0019] when (a) the linking element is in its second
spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and
the mechanical inflation-control button are in their respective
first spatial positions: depression of the linking element
transitions the mechanical inflation-control button to its second
spatial position.
[0020] For suctioning the trachea, typically the following steps
are performed: [0021] inserting the cleaning catheter into the
ventilation tube in a proximal to distal direction while the
inflatable element (e.g., balloon) is essentially deflated; [0022]
typically, in order to perform "deep suction," the distal end of
the cleaning catheter is advanced beyond the distal end of the
ventilation tube; and [0023] applying suction to the trachea.
[0024] For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action
typically comprises the following steps, which are typically
performed in the following order: [0025] inserting the cleaning
catheter into the ventilation tube in a proximal to distal
direction while the inflatable element (e.g., balloon) is
essentially deflated; [0026] applying suction and inflating the
inflatable element at a location near the distal end of the
ventilation tube (typically within 2 cm of the distal end); [0027]
withdrawing the catheter along the ventilation tube in a distal to
proximal direction while the inflatable element is inflated and
suction is applied to the one or more suction orifices; and [0028]
deflating the inflatable element when the inflatable element is
near the proximal end of the ventilation tube or fully outside the
proximal end of the ventilation tube.
[0029] There is therefore provided, in accordance with an
application of the present invention, apparatus for use with a
tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus
including:
[0030] (A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes: [0031] (i) an elongate, flexible,
tubular catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one
or more distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an
inflation lumen; and [0032] (ii) an inflatable element, which is
mounted to the catheter main body; and
[0033] (B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes: [0034] (i) an inflation module, which
includes an inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples
an interior of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an
interior of the inflatable element; [0035] (ii) a flow regulator,
which is shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid
communication with the suction source; [0036] (iii) a mechanical
suction-control button, which is configured to assume at least
first and second spatial positions; [0037] (iv) a mechanical
inflation-control button, which is configured to (a) assume at
least first and second spatial positions, and (b) mechanically and
non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflation
chamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control
button from its first spatial position to its second spatial
position; and [0038] (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element,
which is moveable with respect to the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button, and is
configured to assume at least (a) a first spatial position, in
which the linking element prevents the transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position, and (b) a second spatial position,
[0039] wherein the input module is arranged such that: [0040] at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first
spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication
between the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its second
spatial position, the flow regulator connects the suction source
and the distal suction orifices in fluid communication via the
suction lumen, and [0041] when (a) the linking element is in its
second spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button are in their
respective first spatial positions: depression of the linking
element transitions both the mechanical suction-control button and
the mechanical inflation-control button to their respective second
spatial positions.
[0042] There is further provided, in accordance with an application
of the present invention, apparatus for use with a tracheal
ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus including:
[0043] (A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes: [0044] (i) an elongate, flexible,
tubular catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one
or more distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an
inflation lumen; and [0045] (ii) an inflatable element, which is
mounted to the catheter main body; and
[0046] (B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes: [0047] (i) an inflation module, which
includes an inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples
an interior of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an
interior of the inflatable element; [0048] (ii) a flow regulator,
which is shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid
communication with the suction source; [0049] (iii) a mechanical
suction-control button, which is configured to assume at least
first and second spatial positions; [0050] (iv) a mechanical
inflation-control button, which is configured to (a) assume at
least first and second spatial positions, and (b) mechanically and
non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflation
chamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control
button from its first spatial position to its second spatial
position; and [0051] (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element,
which is moveable with respect to the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button, and is
configured to assume at least (a) a first spatial position, in
which the linking element does not engage the suction-control
button when the suction-control button is in its second spatial
position, and (b) a second spatial position,
[0052] wherein the input module is arranged such that: [0053] at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first
spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication
between the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its second
spatial position, the flow regulator connects the suction source
and the distal suction orifices in fluid communication via the
suction lumen, and [0054] when (a) the linking element is in its
second spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button are in their
respective first spatial positions: depression of the linking
element transitions both the mechanical suction-control button and
the mechanical inflation-control button to their respective second
spatial positions, such that the linking element engages both the
suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button
at least when the suction-control button is in its second spatial
position.
[0055] For some applications, the inflatable element is mounted to
the catheter main body at a location within 3 cm of at least one of
the one or more distal suction orifices.
[0056] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the linking element, when in its first spatial position, (a)
locks the mechanical inflation-control button in the first spatial
position of the mechanical inflation-control button, and (b) does
not lock the mechanical suction-control button.
[0057] For some applications, the first and the second spatial
positions of the linking element are first and second axial
positions, and the linking element is configured to assume at least
the first and the second axial positions.
[0058] For some applications:
[0059] the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanical
suction-control button are first and second radial positions, and
the mechanical suction-control button is configured to assume at
least the first and the second radial positions, and
[0060] the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanical
inflation-control button are first and second radial positions, and
the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to assume at
least the first and the second radial positions.
[0061] For some applications, the linking element is moveably
attached to the mechanical inflation-control button.
[0062] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the linking element, when in its first spatial position, does
not prevent user access to the mechanical suction-control
button.
[0063] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the linking element, when in its first spatial position, does
not engage the mechanical suction-control button.
[0064] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the linking element, when in its first spatial position,
engages the mechanical inflation-control button.
[0065] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the linking element, when in its first spatial position, is
not arranged to transition the mechanical suction-control button
all the way to its second spatial position.
[0066] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that when (a) the linking element is in its second spatial position
and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial
positions: the depression of the linking element simultaneously
transitions both the mechanical suction-control button and the
mechanical inflation-control button to their respective second
spatial positions.
[0067] For some applications, the linking element is arranged to
axially slide between its first and second spatial positions.
[0068] For some applications, the linking element is arranged to
rotate between its first and second spatial positions.
[0069] For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button
is disposed proximally to the mechanical inflation-control
button.
[0070] For some applications, the suction port is coupled in fluid
communication with the suction source.
[0071] For some applications, the inflation chamber has a volume of
between 1 and 10 cc when the first mechanical control element is in
its first spatial position.
[0072] For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button
and the mechanical inflation-control button are biased toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0073] For some applications, the input module includes one or more
springs that are arranged to bias the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0074] For some applications, the input module includes exactly one
spring that is arranged to bias both the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0075] For some applications, the one or more springs are disposed
outside the inflation chamber.
[0076] For some applications, at least a portion of one of the one
or more springs is disposed alongside the inflation chamber.
[0077] For some applications:
[0078] the inflation chamber includes (a) rigid lateral chamber
walls, and (b) a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an
airtight seal with the rigid lateral chamber walls, and
[0079] the input module is configured such that the transition of
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position moves the moveable rigid
compression wall with respect to the rigid lateral chamber walls,
thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure
in the interior of the inflation chamber.
[0080] For some applications:
[0081] the inflation chamber includes an elastic compartment,
and
[0082] the input module is configured such that the transition of
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position compresses the elastic
compartment, thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing
the pressure in an interior of the elastic compartment.
[0083] For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control
button is configured to increase the pressure in the interior of
the inflation chamber by mechanically and non-electrically
compressing the inflation chamber during the at least a portion of
the transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position.
[0084] For some applications, the inflation chamber transitions
from a lower level of compression to a higher level of compression
during the at least a portion of the transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position, and the input module is configured to
elastically bias the inflation chamber toward the lower level of
compression.
[0085] For some applications, the inflation module is elastically
biased toward the lower level of compression.
[0086] For some applications:
[0087] the mechanical suction-control button is shaped so as to
define a suction-control user interface surface,
[0088] the mechanical inflation-control button is not shaped so as
to define a user interface surface,
[0089] the linking element is shaped so as to define a linking user
interface surface,
[0090] the input module is arranged such that when (a) the linking
element is in its first spatial position and (b) the mechanical
suction-control button is in its first spatial position: (a) at
least a portion of the suction-control user interface surface is
visible from outside the input module, and (b) depression of the
suction-control user interface surface transitions the mechanical
suction-control button to its second spatial position, and
[0091] the input module is arranged such that when (a) the linking
element is in its second spatial position and (b) the mechanical
suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button
are in their respective first spatial positions: depression of the
linking user interface surface transitions both the mechanical
suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button
to their respective second spatial positions.
[0092] For some applications, when (a) the linking element is in
its first spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control
button is in its first spatial position: at least 1 cm2 of the
suction-control user interface surface is visible from outside the
input module.
[0093] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the linking element, when in its second spatial position,
blocks external access to the suction-control user interface
surface.
[0094] For some applications, at least 1 cm2 of the linking user
interface surface is visible from outside the input module.
[0095] For some applications:
[0096] the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to
additionally (a) assume a deflation-inducing spatial position,
wherein the first spatial position is between the
deflation-inducing spatial position and the second spatial
position, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase the
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during transition
of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
deflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position,
and
[0097] the input module further includes a mechanical
deflation-control button, which is arranged such that when the
mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatial
position, depression of the mechanical deflation-control button
transitions the mechanical inflation-control button from its first
spatial position to its deflation-inducing spatial position,
thereby deflating the inflatable element.
[0098] For some applications, the inflatable element is partially
inflated when the mechanical inflation-control button is in its
first spatial position.
[0099] There is further provided, in accordance with an application
of the present invention, apparatus for use with a tracheal
ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus including:
[0100] (A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes: [0101] (i) an elongate, flexible,
tubular catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one
or more distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an
inflation lumen; and [0102] (ii) an inflatable element, which is
mounted to the catheter main body; and
[0103] (B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes: [0104] (i) an inflation module, which
includes an inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples
an interior of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an
interior of the inflatable element; [0105] (ii) a flow regulator,
which is shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid
communication with the suction source; [0106] (iii) a mechanical
suction-control button, which is configured to assume at least
first and second spatial positions; [0107] (iv) a mechanical
inflation-control button, which is configured to (a) assume at
least first and second spatial positions, and (b) mechanically and
non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflation
chamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control
button from its first spatial position to its second spatial
position; and [0108] (v) a reversibly-engageable linking element,
which is moveable with respect to the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button, and is
configured to assume at least first and second spatial
positions,
[0109] wherein the input module is arranged such that: [0110] at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first
spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication
between the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its second
spatial position, the flow regulator connects the suction source
and the distal suction orifices in fluid communication via the
suction lumen, [0111] when (a) the linking element is in its first
spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and
the mechanical inflation-control button are in their respective
first spatial positions: depression of the linking element does not
transition the mechanical inflation-control button to its second
spatial position, and [0112] when (a) the linking element is in its
second spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button are in their
respective first spatial positions: depression of the linking
element transitions the mechanical inflation-control button to its
second spatial position.
[0113] For some applications, the inflatable element is mounted to
the catheter main body at a location within 3 cm of at least one of
the one or more distal suction orifices.
[0114] For some applications, the linking element is arranged to
axially slide between its first and second spatial positions.
[0115] For some applications, the first and the second spatial
positions of the linking element are first and second axial
positions, and the linking element is configured to assume at least
the first and the second axial positions.
[0116] For some applications:
[0117] the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanical
suction-control button are first and second radial positions, and
the mechanical suction-control button is configured to assume at
least the first and the second radial positions, and
[0118] the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanical
inflation-control button are first and second radial positions, and
the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to assume at
least the first and the second radial positions.
[0119] For some applications, the linking element is moveably
attached to the mechanical suction-control button.
[0120] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the linking element, when in its first spatial position, does
not engage the mechanical inflation-control button.
[0121] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the linking element, when in its second spatial position,
engages the mechanical inflation-control button.
[0122] For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button
is disposed proximally to the mechanical inflation-control
button.
[0123] For some applications, the suction port is coupled in fluid
communication with the suction source.
[0124] For some applications, the inflation chamber has a volume of
between 1 and 10 cc when the first mechanical control element is in
its first spatial position.
[0125] For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button
covers a portion of the reversibly-engageable linking element.
[0126] For some applications:
[0127] the mechanical suction-control button is shaped so as to
define a suction-control user interface surface, at least a portion
of which is visible from outside the input module,
[0128] the mechanical inflation-control button is not shaped so as
to define a user interface surface,
[0129] the input module is arranged such that when (a) the linking
element is in its first spatial position and (b) the mechanical
suction-control button is in its first spatial position: depression
of the suction-control user interface surface transitions the
mechanical suction-control button to its second spatial position,
and
[0130] the input module is arranged such that when (a) the linking
element is in its second spatial position and (b) the mechanical
suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button
are in their respective first spatial positions: depression of the
suction-control user interface surface causes a first transition of
the mechanical suction-control button to its second spatial
position, which first transition, via the linking element, causes a
second transition of the mechanical inflation-control button to its
second spatial position.
[0131] For some applications, at least 1 cm2 of the suction-control
user interface surface is visible from outside the input
module.
[0132] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the second transition occurs simultaneously with the first
transition.
[0133] For some applications, the input module includes a cover,
which is arranged to inhibit user access to the mechanical
inflation-control button both when the linking element is in its
first spatial position and when the linking element is in its
second spatial position.
[0134] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the cover is stationary with respect to the suction port
during motion of either the mechanical suction-control button or
the mechanical inflation-control button between their respective
first and second spatial positions.
[0135] For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button
and the mechanical inflation-control button are biased toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0136] For some applications, the input module includes one or more
springs that are arranged to bias the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0137] For some applications, the input module includes exactly one
spring that is arranged to bias both the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0138] For some applications, the one or more springs are disposed
outside the inflation chamber.
[0139] For some applications, at least a portion of one of the one
or more springs is disposed alongside the inflation chamber.
[0140] For some applications:
[0141] the inflation chamber includes (a) rigid lateral chamber
walls, and (b) a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an
airtight seal with the rigid lateral chamber walls, and
[0142] the input module is configured such that the transition of
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position moves the moveable rigid
compression wall with respect to the rigid lateral chamber walls,
thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure
in the interior of the inflation chamber.
[0143] For some applications:
[0144] the inflation chamber includes an elastic compartment,
and
[0145] the input module is configured such that the transition of
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position compresses the elastic
compartment, thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing
the pressure in an interior of the elastic compartment.
[0146] For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control
button is configured to increase the pressure in the interior of
the inflation chamber by mechanically and non-electrically
compressing the inflation chamber during the at least a portion of
the transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position.
[0147] For some applications, the inflation chamber transitions
from a lower level of compression to a higher level of compression
during the at least a portion of the transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position, and the input module is configured to
elastically bias the inflation chamber toward the lower level of
compression.
[0148] For some applications, the inflation module is elastically
biased toward the lower level of compression.
[0149] For some applications:
[0150] the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to
additionally (a) assume a deflation-inducing spatial position,
wherein the first spatial position is between the
deflation-inducing spatial position and the second spatial
position, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase the
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during transition
of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
deflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position,
and
[0151] the input module further includes a mechanical
deflation-control button, which is arranged such that when the
mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatial
position, depression of the mechanical deflation-control button
transitions the mechanical inflation-control button from its first
spatial position to its deflation-inducing spatial position,
thereby deflating the inflatable element.
[0152] For some applications, the inflatable element is partially
inflated when the mechanical inflation-control button is in its
first spatial position.
[0153] There is still further provided, in accordance with an
application of the present invention, apparatus for use with a
tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus
including:
[0154] (A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes: [0155] (i) an elongate, flexible,
tubular catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one
or more distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an
inflation lumen; and [0156] (ii) an inflatable element, which is
mounted to the catheter main body; and
[0157] (B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes: [0158] (i) an inflation module, which
includes an inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples
an interior of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an
interior of the inflatable element; [0159] (ii) a flow regulator,
which is shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid
communication with the suction source; [0160] (iii) a mechanical
suction-control button, which is configured to assume at least
first and second spatial positions; [0161] (iv) a mechanical
inflation-control button, which is configured to (a) assume at
least first and second spatial positions, and (b) mechanically and
non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the inflation
chamber during a transition of the mechanical inflation-control
button from its first spatial position to its second spatial
position; and [0162] (v) exactly one spring that is arranged to
bias both the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button toward their respective first spatial
positions,
[0163] wherein the input module is arranged such that (a) at least
when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first spatial
position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication between the
suction source and the distal suction orifices, and (b) at least
when the mechanical suction-control button is in its second spatial
position, the flow regulator connects the suction source and the
distal suction orifices in fluid communication via the suction
lumen.
[0164] For some applications, the inflatable element is mounted to
the catheter main body at a location within 3 cm of at least one of
the one or more distal suction orifices.
[0165] For some applications, the exactly one spring is disposed
outside the inflation chamber.
[0166] For some applications, at least a portion of the exactly one
spring is disposed alongside the inflation chamber.
[0167] For some applications, the suction port is coupled in fluid
communication with the suction source.
[0168] For some applications, the inflation chamber has a volume of
between 1 and 10 cc when the first mechanical control element is in
its first spatial position.
[0169] For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control
button is configured to increase the pressure in the interior of
the inflation chamber by mechanically and non-electrically
compressing the inflation chamber during the at least a portion of
the transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position.
[0170] For some applications, the inflation chamber transitions
from a lower level of compression to a higher level of compression
during the at least a portion of the transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position, and the exactly one spring is arranged to
elastically bias the inflation chamber toward the lower level of
compression.
[0171] For some applications:
[0172] the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to
additionally (a) assume a deflation-inducing spatial position,
wherein the first spatial position is between the
deflation-inducing spatial position and the second spatial
position, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase the
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during transition
of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
deflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position,
and
[0173] the input module further includes a mechanical
deflation-control button, which is arranged such that when the
mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatial
position, depression of the mechanical deflation-control button
transitions the mechanical inflation-control button from its first
spatial position to its deflation-inducing spatial position,
thereby deflating the inflatable element.
[0174] For some applications, the inflatable element is partially
inflated when the mechanical inflation-control button is in its
first spatial position.
[0175] There is additionally provided, in accordance with an
application of the present invention, apparatus for use with a
tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus
including:
[0176] (A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes: [0177] (i) an elongate, flexible,
tubular catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one
or more distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an
inflation lumen; and [0178] (ii) an inflatable element, which is
mounted to the catheter main body; and
[0179] (B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes: [0180] (i) an inflation module, which
includes an inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples
an interior of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an
interior of the inflatable element; [0181] (ii) a flow regulator,
which is shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid
communication with the suction source; [0182] (iii) a mechanical
suction-control button, which is configured to assume at least
first, second, and third spatial positions, the second spatial
position between the first and the third spatial positions; [0183]
(iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which (a) is not shaped
so as to define a user interface surface, (b) is configured to
assume at least first and second spatial positions, and (c) is
configured to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure
in the interior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the
mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position
to its second spatial position; [0184] (v) a reversibly-engageable
linking element, which is fixed to the mechanical suction-control
button, and is configured to assume at least first, second, and
third spatial positions, the second spatial position between the
first and the third spatial positions; and [0185] (vi) a cover,
which is arranged to inhibit user access to the mechanical
inflation-control button,
[0186] wherein the input module is arranged such that: [0187] at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first
spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication
between the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its second
and third spatial positions, the flow regulator connects the
suction source and the distal suction orifices in fluid
communication via the suction lumen, [0188] a first transition of
the mechanical suction-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position causes a second transition
of the linking element from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position, and [0189] a third transition of the
mechanical suction-control button from its second spatial position
to its third spatial position causes a fourth transition of the
linking element from its second spatial position to its third
spatial position, which in turn causes a fifth transition of the
mechanical inflation-control button to its second spatial
position.
[0190] For some applications, the inflatable element is mounted to
the catheter main body at a location within 3 cm of at least one of
the one or more distal suction orifices.
[0191] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the first transition does not move the mechanical
inflation-control button.
[0192] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the first transition does not radially move the mechanical
inflation-control button.
[0193] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the fifth transition occurs simultaneously with the fourth
transition.
[0194] For some applications, the linking element is
radially-moveable, the first, the second, and the third spatial
positions are first, second, and third radial positions,
respectively, and the linking element is configured to assume at
least the first, the second, and the third radial positions.
[0195] For some applications:
[0196] the first, the second, and the third spatial positions of
the mechanical suction-control button are first, second, and third
radial positions, and the mechanical suction-control button is
configured to assume at least the first, the second, and the third
radial positions, and
[0197] the first and the second spatial positions of the mechanical
inflation-control button are first and second radial positions, and
the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to assume at
least the first and the second radial positions.
[0198] For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button
is shaped so as to define a suction-control user interface surface,
at least 1 cm2 of which is visible from outside the input module,
and depression of the suction-control user interface surface causes
the first and the third transitions.
[0199] For some applications, less than 1 cm2 of the linking
element is visible from outside the input module.
[0200] For some applications, the linking element is shaped so as
to define a linking user interface surface, at least a portion of
which is visible from outside the input module, and depression of
the linking user interface surface causes the first and the third
transitions.
[0201] For some applications, at least 1 cm2 of the linking user
interface surface is visible from outside the input module.
[0202] For some applications:
[0203] the input module is configured to apply a maximum level of
suction to the distal suction orifices when the mechanical
suction-control button is in its third spatial position, and
[0204] the input module is configured, during a transition of the
mechanical suction-control button from its first spatial position
to its third spatial position via its second spatial position, to
apply at least 30% of the maximum level of suction to the distal
suction orifices before inflation of the inflatable element
begins.
[0205] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the cover is stationary with respect to the suction port
during motion of either the mechanical suction-control button or
the mechanical inflation-control button between their respective
first and second spatial positions.
[0206] For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button
is disposed proximally to the mechanical inflation-control
button.
[0207] For some applications, the suction port is coupled in fluid
communication with the suction source.
[0208] For some applications, the inflation chamber has a volume of
between 1 and 10 cc when the first mechanical control element is in
its first spatial position.
[0209] For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button
and the mechanical inflation-control button are biased toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0210] For some applications, the input module includes one or more
springs that are arranged to bias the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0211] For some applications, the input module includes exactly one
spring that is arranged to bias both the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0212] For some applications, the one or more springs are disposed
outside the inflation chamber.
[0213] For some applications, at least a portion of one of the one
or more springs is disposed alongside the inflation chamber.
[0214] For some applications:
[0215] the inflation chamber includes (a) rigid lateral chamber
walls, and (b) a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an
airtight seal with the rigid lateral chamber walls, and
[0216] the input module is configured such that the transition of
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position moves the moveable rigid
compression wall with respect to the rigid lateral chamber walls,
thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure
in the interior of the inflation chamber.
[0217] For some applications:
[0218] the inflation chamber includes an elastic compartment,
and
[0219] the input module is configured such that the transition of
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position compresses the elastic
compartment, thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing
the pressure in an interior of the elastic compartment.
[0220] For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control
button is configured to increase the pressure in the interior of
the inflation chamber by mechanically and non-electrically
compressing the inflation chamber during the at least a portion of
the transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position.
[0221] For some applications, the inflation chamber transitions
from a lower level of compression to a higher level of compression
during the at least a portion of the transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position, and the input module is configured to
elastically bias the inflation chamber toward the lower level of
compression.
[0222] For some applications, the inflation module is elastically
biased toward the lower level of compression.
[0223] For some applications:
[0224] the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to
additionally (a) assume a deflation-inducing spatial position,
wherein the first spatial position is between the
deflation-inducing spatial position and the second spatial
position, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase the
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during transition
of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
deflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position,
and
[0225] the input module further includes a mechanical
deflation-control button, which is arranged such that when the
mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatial
position, depression of the mechanical deflation-control button
transitions the mechanical inflation-control button from its first
spatial position to its deflation-inducing spatial position,
thereby deflating the inflatable element.
[0226] For some applications, the inflatable element is partially
inflated when the mechanical inflation-control button is in its
first spatial position.
[0227] There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with an
application of the present invention, apparatus for use with a
tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the apparatus
including:
[0228] (A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes: [0229] (i) an elongate, flexible,
tubular catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one
or more distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an
inflation lumen; and [0230] (ii) an inflatable element, which is
mounted to the catheter main body; and
[0231] (B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes: [0232] (i) an inflation module, which
includes an inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples
an interior of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an
interior of the inflatable element; [0233] (ii) a flow regulator,
which is shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid
communication with the suction source; [0234] (iii) a mechanical
suction-control button, which is configured to assume at least
first, second, and third spatial positions, the second spatial
position between the first and the third spatial positions; [0235]
(iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which (a) is not shaped
so as to define a user interface surface, (b) is configured to
assume at least first and second spatial positions, and (c) is
configured to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure
in the interior of the inflation chamber during a transition of the
mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial position
to its second spatial position; [0236] (v) a reversibly-engageable
linking element, which is fixed to the mechanical suction-control
button, and is configured to assume at least: [0237] (a) a first
spatial position, in which the linking element does not engage the
mechanical inflation-control button, [0238] (b) a second spatial
position, and [0239] (c) a third spatial position, in which the
linking element engages the mechanical inflation-control button,
wherein the second spatial position is between the first and the
third spatial positions; and [0240] (vi) a moveable stopper, which
is moveably fixed to the input module, and which is configured to
assume at least: [0241] a first spatial position, in which the
moveable stopper blocks a first transition of the linking element
from its second spatial position to its third spatial position, and
[0242] a second spatial position, in which the moveable stopper
does not block the first transition of the linking element from its
second spatial position to its third spatial position,
[0243] wherein the input module is arranged such that: [0244] at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first
spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication
between the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its second
and third spatial positions, the flow regulator connects the
suction source and the distal suction orifices in fluid
communication via the suction lumen, and [0245] when (a) the
linking element is in its second spatial position, (b) the
mechanical suction-control button is in its second spatial
position, (c) the mechanical inflation-control button is in its
first spatial position, and (d) the moveable stopper is in its
second spatial position: depression of the mechanical control
button causes a second transition of the mechanical suction-control
button to its third spatial position, which second transition, via
the linking element, causes a third transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button to its second spatial position.
[0246] For some applications, the inflatable element is mounted to
the catheter main body at a location within 3 cm of at least one of
the one or more distal suction orifices.
[0247] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the third transition occurs simultaneously with the second
transition.
[0248] For some applications, the linking element is shaped so as
to define a linking user interface surface, at least a portion of
which is visible from outside the input module, and depression of
the linking user interface surface transitions the mechanical
suction-control button from its first spatial position, to its
second spatial position, to its third spatial position.
[0249] For some applications, at least 1 cm2 of the linking user
interface surface is visible from outside the input module.
[0250] For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button
is shaped so as to define a suction-control user interface surface,
at least a portion of which is visible from outside the input
module, and depression of the suction-control user interface
surface transitions the mechanical suction-control button from its
first spatial position, to its second spatial position, to its
third spatial position.
[0251] For some applications, at least 1 cm2 of the suction-control
user interface surface is visible from outside the input
module.
[0252] For some applications, the linking element is
radially-moveable, the first, the second, and the third spatial
positions are first, second, and third radial positions,
respectively, and the linking element is configured to assume at
least the first, the second, and the third radial positions.
[0253] For some applications:
[0254] the first, the second, and the third spatial positions of
the mechanical suction-control button are first, second, and third
radial positions, and wherein the mechanical suction-control button
is configured to assume at least the first, the second, and the
third radial positions, and
[0255] wherein the first and the second spatial positions of the
mechanical inflation-control button are first and second radial
positions, and wherein the mechanical inflation-control button is
configured to assume at least the first and the second radial
positions.
[0256] For some applications, wherein the mechanical
suction-control button is disposed proximally to the mechanical
inflation-control button.
[0257] For some applications:
[0258] the input module is configured to apply a maximum level of
suction to the distal suction orifices when the mechanical
suction-control button is in its third spatial position, and
[0259] the input module is configured, during a transition of the
mechanical suction-control button from its first spatial position
to its third spatial position via its second spatial position, to
apply at least 30% of the maximum level of suction to the distal
suction orifices before inflation of the inflatable element
begins.
[0260] For some applications, the suction port is coupled in fluid
communication with the suction source.
[0261] For some applications, the inflation chamber has a volume of
between 1 and 10 cc when the first mechanical control element is in
its first spatial position.
[0262] For some applications, the mechanical suction-control button
and the mechanical inflation-control button are biased toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0263] For some applications, the input module includes one or more
springs that are arranged to bias the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0264] For some applications, the input module includes exactly one
spring that is arranged to bias both the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button toward their
respective first spatial positions.
[0265] For some applications, the one or more springs are disposed
outside the inflation chamber.
[0266] For some applications, at least a portion of one of the one
or more springs is disposed alongside the inflation chamber.
[0267] For some applications:
[0268] the inflation chamber includes (a) rigid lateral chamber
walls, and (b) a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an
airtight seal with the rigid lateral chamber walls, and
[0269] the input module is configured such that the transition of
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position moves the moveable rigid
compression wall with respect to the rigid lateral chamber walls,
thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure
in the interior of the inflation chamber.
[0270] For some applications:
[0271] the inflation chamber includes an elastic compartment,
and
[0272] the input module is configured such that the transition of
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position compresses the elastic
compartment, thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing
the pressure in an interior of the elastic compartment.
[0273] For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control
button is configured to increase the pressure in the interior of
the inflation chamber by mechanically and non-electrically
compressing the inflation chamber during the at least a portion of
the transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position.
[0274] For some applications, the inflation chamber transitions
from a lower level of compression to a higher level of compression
during the at least a portion of the transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position, and the input module is configured to
elastically bias the inflation chamber toward the lower level of
compression.
[0275] For some applications, the inflation module is elastically
biased toward the lower level of compression.
[0276] For some applications:
[0277] the mechanical inflation-control button is configured to
additionally (a) assume a deflation-inducing spatial position,
wherein the first spatial position is between the
deflation-inducing spatial position and the second spatial
position, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase the
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during transition
of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
deflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position,
and
[0278] the input module further includes a mechanical
deflation-control button, which is arranged such that when the
mechanical inflation-control button is in its first spatial
position, depression of the mechanical deflation-control button
transitions the mechanical inflation-control button from its first
spatial position to its deflation-inducing spatial position,
thereby deflating the inflatable element.
[0279] For some applications, the inflatable element is partially
inflated when the mechanical inflation-control button is in its
first spatial position.
[0280] There is also provided, in accordance with an application of
the present invention, apparatus for use with a tracheal
ventilation tube, the apparatus including:
[0281] (A) a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes: [0282] (i) an elongate, flexible,
tubular catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one
or more distal suction orifices, and (b) an inflation lumen; and
[0283] (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter
main body; and
[0284] (B) an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes: [0285] (i) an inflation module, which
includes an inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples
an interior of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an
interior of the inflatable element; [0286] (ii) a mechanical
inflation-control button, which is configured to (a) assume at
least a deflation-inducing spatial position, a first spatial
position, and a second spatial positions, the first spatial
position between the deflation-inducing spatial position and the
second spatial position, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically
increase pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during
transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
deflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position,
and from its first spatial position to its second spatial position;
and [0287] (iii) a mechanical deflation-control button, which is
arranged such that when the mechanical inflation-control button is
in its first spatial position, depression of the mechanical
deflation-control button transitions the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
deflation-inducing spatial position, thereby deflating the
inflatable element.
[0288] For some applications, the mechanical inflation-control
button is in a resting state when in its first spatial
position.
[0289] For some applications, the input module includes one or more
springs that are arranged to bias the mechanical inflation-control
button from its second spatial position toward its first spatial
position.
[0290] For some applications, the one or more springs are not
arranged to bias the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position toward its deflation-inducing spatial
position.
[0291] For some applications, the inflatable element is partially
inflated when the mechanical inflation-control button is in its
second spatial position.
[0292] For some applications, the deflation-inducing, the first,
and the second spatial positions are deflation-inducing, first, and
second radial positions, and the mechanical inflation-control
button is configured to assume at least the deflation-inducing, the
first, and the second radial positions.
[0293] For some applications:
[0294] the inflation chamber includes (a) rigid lateral chamber
walls, and (b) a moveable rigid compression wall that forms an
airtight seal with the rigid lateral chamber walls, and
[0295] the input module is configured such that the transition of
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position, and from its second
spatial position to its third spatial position, moves the moveable
rigid compression wall with respect to the rigid lateral chamber
walls, thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing the
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber.
[0296] For some applications:
[0297] the inflation chamber includes an elastic compartment,
and
[0298] the input module is configured such that the transition of
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position, and from its second
spatial position to its third spatial position, compresses the
elastic compartment, thereby mechanically and non-electrically
increasing the pressure in an interior of the elastic
compartment.
[0299] There is further provided, in accordance with an application
of the present invention, a method for use with a tracheal
ventilation tube and a suction source, the method including:
[0300] providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular
catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more
distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation
lumen; and (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the
catheter main body;
[0301] providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an
inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior
of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of
the inflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so
as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with
the suction source; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button,
which is configured to assume at least first and second spatial
positions; (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is
configured to (a) assume at least first and second spatial
positions, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during a
transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position; and (v) a
reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with
respect to the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least (a)
a first spatial position, in which the linking element prevents the
transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position, and (b) a
second spatial position, wherein the input module is arranged such
that: (i) at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in
its first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid
communication between the suction source and the distal suction
orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control button
is in its second spatial position, the flow regulator connects the
suction source and the distal suction orifices in fluid
communication via the suction lumen, and (ii) when (a) the linking
element is in its second spatial position and (b) the mechanical
suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button
are in their respective first spatial positions: depression of the
linking element transitions both the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button to their
respective second spatial positions;
[0302] coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the
suction source; and
[0303] inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal
direction, into the ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a
patient, and advancing the cleaning catheter until a distal end of
the catheter main body is axially disposed in the ventilation tube
at a location more distal than an axial mid-point of the
ventilation tube.
[0304] There is still further provided, in accordance with an
application of the present invention, a method for use with a
tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the method
including:
[0305] providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular
catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more
distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation
lumen; and (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the
catheter main body;
[0306] providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an
inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior
of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of
the inflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so
as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with
the suction source; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button,
which is configured to assume at least first and second spatial
positions; (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is
configured to (a) assume at least first and second spatial
positions, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during a
transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position; and (v) a
reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with
respect to the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least (a)
a first spatial position, in which the linking element does not
engage the suction-control button when the suction-control button
is in its second spatial position, and (b) a second spatial
position, wherein the input module is arranged such that: (i) at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first
spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication
between the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its second
spatial position, the flow regulator connects the suction source
and the distal suction orifices in fluid communication via the
suction lumen, and (ii) when (a) the linking element is in its
second spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control
button and the mechanical inflation-control button are in their
respective first spatial positions: depression of the linking
element transitions both the mechanical suction-control button and
the mechanical inflation-control button to their respective second
spatial positions, such that the linking element engages both the
suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button
at least when the suction-control button is in its second spatial
position;
[0307] coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the
suction source; and
[0308] inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal
direction, into the ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a
patient, and advancing the cleaning catheter until a distal end of
the catheter main body is axially disposed in the ventilation tube
at a location more distal than an axial mid-point of the
ventilation tube.
[0309] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that the linking element, when in its first spatial position,
prevents the transition of the mechanical inflation-control button
from its first spatial position to its second spatial position.
[0310] For some applications, the input module is arranged such
that transitioning of the linking element from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position simultaneously (a) unlocks
the mechanical inflation-control button from its first spatial
position, and (b) links the mechanical suction-control button with
the mechanical inflation-control button.
[0311] There is still further provided, in accordance with an
application of the present invention, a method for use with a
tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the method
including:
[0312] providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular
catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more
distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation
lumen; and (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the
catheter main body;
[0313] providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an
inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior
of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of
the inflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so
as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with
the suction source; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button,
which is configured to assume at least first and second spatial
positions; (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is
configured to (a) assume at least first and second spatial
positions, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during a
transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position; and (v) a
reversibly-engageable linking element, which is moveable with
respect to the mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button, and is configured to assume at least
first and second spatial positions, wherein the input module is
arranged such that: (A) at least when the mechanical
suction-control button is in its first spatial position, the flow
regulator blocks fluid communication between the suction source and
the distal suction orifices, and at least when the mechanical
suction-control button is in its second spatial position, the flow
regulator connects the suction source and the distal suction
orifices in fluid communication via the suction lumen, (B) when (a)
the linking element is in its first spatial position and (b) the
mechanical suction-control button and the mechanical
inflation-control button are in their respective first spatial
positions: depression of the linking element does not transition
the mechanical inflation-control button to its second spatial
position, and (C) when (a) the linking element is in its second
spatial position and (b) the mechanical suction-control button and
the mechanical inflation-control button are in their respective
first spatial positions: depression of the linking element
transitions the mechanical inflation-control button to its second
spatial position;
[0314] coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the
suction source; and
[0315] inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal
direction, into the ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a
patient, and advancing the cleaning catheter until a distal end of
the catheter main body is axially disposed in the ventilation tube
at a location more distal than an axial mid-point of the
ventilation tube.
[0316] There is additionally provided, in accordance with an
application of the present invention, a method for use with a
tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the method
including:
[0317] providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular
catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more
distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation
lumen; and (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the
catheter main body;
[0318] providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes: (i) an inflation module, which includes an
inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior
of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of
the inflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so
as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with
the suction source; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button,
which is configured to assume at least first and second spatial
positions; (iv) a mechanical inflation-control button, which is
configured to (a) assume at least first and second spatial
positions, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during a
transition of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position; and (v)
exactly one spring that is arranged to bias both the mechanical
suction-control button and the mechanical inflation-control button
toward their respective first spatial positions, wherein the input
module is arranged such that (a) at least when the mechanical
suction-control button is in its first spatial position, the flow
regulator blocks fluid communication between the suction source and
the distal suction orifices, and (b) at least when the mechanical
suction-control button is in its second spatial position, the flow
regulator connects the suction source and the distal suction
orifices in fluid communication via the suction lumen;
[0319] coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the
suction source; and
[0320] inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal
direction, into the ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a
patient, and advancing the cleaning catheter until a distal end of
the catheter main body is axially disposed in the ventilation tube
at a location more distal than an axial mid-point of the
ventilation tube.
[0321] There is yet additionally provided, in accordance with an
application of the present invention, a method for use with a
tracheal ventilation tube and a suction source, the method
including:
[0322] providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular
catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more
distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation
lumen; and (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the
catheter main body;
[0323] providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an
inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior
of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of
the inflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so
as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with
the suction source; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button,
which is configured to assume at least first, second, and third
spatial positions, the second spatial position between the first
and the third spatial positions; (iv) a mechanical
inflation-control button, which (a) is not shaped so as to define a
user interface surface, (b) is configured to assume at least first
and second spatial positions, and (c) is configured to mechanically
and non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the
inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position; (v) a reversibly-engageable linking
element, which is fixed to the mechanical suction-control button,
and is configured to assume at least first, second, and third
spatial positions, the second spatial position between the first
and the third spatial positions; and (vi) a cover, which is
arranged to inhibit user access to the mechanical inflation-control
button, wherein the input module is arranged such that: (a) at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its first
spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid communication
between the suction source and the distal suction orifices, and at
least when the mechanical suction-control button is in its second
and third spatial positions, the flow regulator connects the
suction source and the distal suction orifices in fluid
communication via the suction lumen, (b) a first transition of the
mechanical suction-control button from its first spatial position
to its second spatial position causes a second transition of the
linking element from its first spatial position to its second
spatial position, and (c) a third transition of the mechanical
suction-control button from its second spatial position to its
third spatial position causes a fourth transition of the linking
element from its second spatial position to its third spatial
position, which in turn causes a fifth transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button to its second spatial position;
[0324] coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the
suction source; and
[0325] inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal
direction, into the ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a
patient, and advancing the cleaning catheter until a distal end of
the catheter main body is axially disposed in the ventilation tube
at a location more distal than an axial mid-point of the
ventilation tube.
[0326] There is also provided, in accordance with an application of
the present invention, a method for use with a tracheal ventilation
tube and a suction source, the method including:
[0327] providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes: (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular
catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more
distal suction orifices, (b) a suction lumen, and (c) an inflation
lumen; and (ii) an inflatable element, which is mounted to the
catheter main body;
[0328] providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an
inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior
of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of
the inflatable element; (ii) a flow regulator, which is shaped so
as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with
the suction source; (iii) a mechanical suction-control button,
which is configured to assume at least first, second, and third
spatial positions, the second spatial position between the first
and the third spatial positions; (iv) a mechanical
inflation-control button, which (a) is not shaped so as to define a
user interface surface, (b) is configured to assume at least first
and second spatial positions, and (c) is configured to mechanically
and non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of the
inflation chamber during a transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position; (v) a reversibly-engageable linking
element, which is fixed to the mechanical suction-control button,
and is configured to assume at least: (a) a first spatial position,
in which the linking element does not engage the mechanical
inflation-control button, (b) a second spatial position, and (c) a
third spatial position, in which the linking element engages the
mechanical inflation-control button, wherein the second spatial
position is between the first and the third spatial positions; and
(vi) a moveable stopper, which is moveably fixed to the input
module, and which is configured to assume at least: (a) a first
spatial position, in which the moveable stopper blocks a first
transition of the linking element from its second spatial position
to its third spatial position, and (b) a second spatial position,
in which the moveable stopper does not block the first transition
of the linking element from its second spatial position to its
third spatial position, wherein the input module is arranged such
that: (A) at least when the mechanical suction-control button is in
its first spatial position, the flow regulator blocks fluid
communication between the suction source and the distal suction
orifices, and at least when the mechanical suction-control button
is in its second and third spatial positions, the flow regulator
connects the suction source and the distal suction orifices in
fluid communication via the suction lumen, and (B) when (a) the
linking element is in its second spatial position, (b) the
mechanical suction-control button is in its second spatial
position, (c) the mechanical inflation-control button is in its
first spatial position, and (d) the moveable stopper is in its
second spatial position: depression of the mechanical control
button causes a second transition of the mechanical suction-control
button to its third spatial position, which second transition, via
the linking element, causes a third transition of the mechanical
inflation-control button to its second spatial position;
[0329] coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the
suction source; and
[0330] inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal
direction, into the ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a
patient, and advancing the cleaning catheter until a distal end of
the catheter main body is axially disposed in the ventilation tube
at a location more distal than an axial mid-point of the
ventilation tube.
[0331] There is further provided, in accordance with an application
of the present invention, a method for use with a tracheal
ventilation tube, the method including:
[0332] providing a cleaning catheter, which is insertable into the
ventilation tube and includes (i) an elongate, flexible, tubular
catheter main body, which is shaped so as to define (a) one or more
distal suction orifices, and (b) an inflation lumen; and (ii) an
inflatable element, which is mounted to the catheter main body;
[0333] providing an input module, which is coupled to the cleaning
catheter, and includes (i) an inflation module, which includes an
inflation chamber, wherein the inflation lumen couples an interior
of the inflation chamber in fluid communication with an interior of
the inflatable element; (ii) a mechanical inflation-control button,
which is configured to (a) assume at least a deflation-inducing
spatial position, a first spatial position, and a second spatial
positions, the first spatial position between the
deflation-inducing spatial position and the second spatial
position, and (b) mechanically and non-electrically increase
pressure in the interior of the inflation chamber during transition
of the mechanical inflation-control button from its
deflation-inducing spatial position to its first spatial position,
and from its first spatial position to its second spatial position;
and (iii) a mechanical deflation-control button, which is arranged
such that when the mechanical inflation-control button is in its
first spatial position, depression of the mechanical
deflation-control button transitions the mechanical
inflation-control button from its first spatial position to its
deflation-inducing spatial position, thereby deflating the
inflatable element;
[0334] coupling the suction portion in fluid communication with the
suction source; and
[0335] inserting the cleaning catheter, in a proximal to distal
direction, into the ventilation tube inserted in a trachea of a
patient, and advancing the cleaning catheter until a distal end of
the catheter main body is axially disposed in the ventilation tube
at a location more distal than an axial mid-point of the
ventilation tube.
[0336] The present invention will be more fully understood from the
following detailed description of embodiments thereof, taken
together with the drawings, in which:
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0337] FIGS. 1A-D are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of
one configuration of a closed suction cleaning system in respective
states, in accordance with an application of the present
invention;
[0338] FIGS. 2A-D are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of
another configuration of the closed suction cleaning system of
FIGS. 1A-D in respective states, in accordance with an application
of the present invention;
[0339] FIGS. 3A-B are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of
yet another configuration of the closed suction cleaning system of
FIGS. 1A-D in respective states, in accordance with an application
of the present invention;
[0340] FIGS. 4A-C are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of
still another configuration of the closed suction cleaning system
of FIGS. 1A-D in respective states, in accordance with an
application of the present invention;
[0341] FIGS. 5A-C are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of
another configuration of the closed suction cleaning system of
FIGS. 1A-D in respective states, in accordance with an application
of the present invention;
[0342] FIGS. 6A-C are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of
yet another configuration of the closed suction cleaning system of
FIGS. 1A-D in respective states, in accordance with an application
of the present invention; and
[0343] FIGS. 7A-D are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of
still another configuration of the closed suction cleaning system
of FIGS. 1A-D in respective states, in accordance with an
application of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF APPLICATIONS
[0344] The figures are schematic cross-sectional illustrations of
several configurations of a closed suction cleaning system 100, in
accordance with respective applications of the present invention.
Cleaning system 100 is typically configured for use with a tracheal
ventilation tube, a ventilator, and a suction source. For some
applications, cleaning system 100 comprises one or more of the
tracheal ventilation tube, the ventilator, and/or the suction
source, in any combination. Although these elements are not
illustrated in the figures, they can be seen in FIGS. 1A-D of U.S.
Pat. No. 8,999,074 to Zachar et al., which is incorporated herein
by reference. Cleaning system 100 may be implemented as shown in
FIGS. 1A-D of the '074 patent, mutatis mutandis, except that
cleaning system 100 typically does not comprise the pressurized
fluid source 602 shown in these figures.
[0345] As used in the present application, including in the claims,
a "tracheal ventilation tube" comprises an endotracheal tube (ETT)
or a tracheostomy tube. For some applications, the suction source
provides a pressure less than one atm; alternatively or
additionally, for some applications, the suction source provides a
pressure lower than ambient pressure. As used in the present
application, including in the claims, a "fluid" comprises liquid
and/or gas, for example, a liquid-gas mixture that is predominantly
liquid, such as a liquid with gas bubbles. The liquid may comprise
water, such as saline solution or a disinfectant solution.
[0346] Cleaning system 100 typically comprises a distal ventilation
tube-connector assembly (labeled with reference numeral 158 in
FIGS. 1A-D of the '074 patent), a cleaning catheter 200, and an
input module 156. Cleaning catheter 200 comprises an elongate,
flexible, tubular catheter main body 210. Cleaning catheter 200
includes a distal portion 212 located distal to the ventilation
tube-connector assembly, and a proximal portion 214 located
proximal to the ventilation tube-connector assembly. Distal portion
212 is configured to be inserted into the ventilation tube.
Proximal portion 214 includes a proximal-most input portion of
catheter main body 210, which is configured to be inserted into or
is disposed within input module 156. Typically, the proximal-most
input portion is fixed with respect to input module 156. Respective
lengths of distal and proximal portions 212 and 214 may depend on
an extent to which a distal end of catheter main body 210 is
deployed within the ventilation tube and/or an extent to which the
distal end is longitudinally displaced from the ventilation
tube-connector assembly, for example, an extent to which catheter
main body 210 slides through the ventilation tube-connector
assembly in a distal direction.
[0347] As used in the present application, including in the claims,
"axial" and "axially" mean along an axis, and do not mean around or
about an axis. For example: (a) "axial motion" means motion along
an axis, and (b) "axially aligned" means aligned along an axis.
[0348] The ventilation tube-connector assembly comprises: (a) a
ventilator port (labeled with reference numeral 664 in FIGS. 1A-D
of the '074 patent), configured to be coupled in fluid
communication with the ventilator via a ventilator connection tube
(labeled with reference numeral 910 in FIGS. 1A-D of the '074
patent), (b) a ventilation tube port (labeled with reference
numeral 660 in FIGS. 1A-B and 1D of the '074 patent), configured to
be coupled in fluid communication with a proximal end of the
ventilation tube, and (c) a main body inlet, which is configured to
allow passage therethrough of catheter main body 210.
[0349] In some applications of the present invention, cleaning
system 100 is operative to clean an interior of the ventilation
tube when the ventilation tube-connector assembly is directly or
indirectly connected to both the ventilation tube and the
ventilator so as to mediate a substantially air-tight connection
(e.g., via an interior chamber(s) and/or conduit(s) of the
ventilation tube-connector assembly) between the ventilator and an
interior of the ventilation tube.
[0350] Cleaning catheter 200 further comprises an inflatable
element 588, such as a balloon, which is mounted to catheter main
body 210 near a distal end of catheter main body 210, e.g., within
3 cm, such as within 1 cm, of the distal end, and/or in a distal
half of distal portion 212 of cleaning catheter 200, such as a
distal third, a distal fifth, or a distal tenth of distal portion
212. Alternatively or additionally, inflatable element 588 is
mounted to catheter main body 210 within 3 cm, e.g., within 1 cm,
of at least one of the one or more distal suction orifices 440,
described hereinbelow. Inflatable element 588 is inflatable into
contact with an inner surface of the ventilation tube. For some
applications, inflatable element 588 has a greatest outer diameter
of at least 6 mm, no more than 12 mm, and/or between 6 and 12 mm
when inflated at 1 bar above atmospheric pressure and unconstrained
(i.e., not constrained by the ventilation tube or anything else),
which is typically slightly greater than an inner diameter of the
ventilation tube, in order to provide sealing contact with the
inner surface of the ventilation tube. For some applications,
inflatable element 588 has a volume of at least 0.5 cc, no more
than 2 cc, and/or between 0.5 and 2 cc when inflated at 1 bar above
atmospheric pressure and unconstrained. For some applications,
inflatable element 588 is elastic, while for other applications
inflatable element 588 is not elastic. For some applications,
inflatable element 588 comprises a thin pliable material, such that
the inflatable element crumples when deflated.
[0351] For some applications, catheter main body 210 has an outer
diameter of at least 6 mm, no more than 12 mm, and/or between 6 and
12 mm. For some applications, the greatest outer diameter of
inflatable element 588 when fully inflated and unconstrained (i.e.,
not constrained by the ventilation tube or anything else) equals at
least 60%, no more than 120%, and/or between 60% and 120% of the
outer diameter of catheter main body 210.
[0352] Reference is again made to all of the figures. Catheter main
body 210 typically includes at least the following lumens arranged
along catheter main body 210. For some applications, one or more of
the lumens are arranged along catheter main body 210 at least
partially within the main body, e.g., integrally formed in the
catheter main body 210, formed in the wall of catheter main body
210, or provided as a separate tube with catheter main body 210.
Alternatively or additionally, one or more of the lumens are
arranged along catheter main body 210 at least partially outside
the main body, e.g., provided as a separate tube outside catheter
main body 210. The lumens typically include: [0353] at least one
inflation lumen 520, which provides fluid communication between at
least one inflation inlet 521 and at least one inflation port 585
which is in fluid communication with an interior of inflatable
element 588; typically, the input portion is shaped so as to define
inflation inlet 521, and distal portion 212 is shaped so as to
define inflation port 585; and [0354] at least one suction lumen
530, which provides fluid communication between at least one
proximal suction inlet 531 and the one or more distal suction
orifices 440; typically, the input portion of catheter main body
210 is shaped so as to define proximal suction inlet 531, and
distal portion 212 of cleaning catheter 200 is shaped so as to
define distal suction orifices 440. The at least one suction lumen
530 is arranged in intermittent fluid communication with the
suction source, as described in detail hereinbelow.
[0355] Inflation lumen 520 typically has a cross-sectional area
smaller than that of suction lumen 530, e.g., less than 50%, less
than 30%, or less than 20% of the cross-sectional area of suction
lumen 530.
[0356] When inflated, inflatable element 588 typically provides two
types of functionality: (i) flow obstruction functionality to
significantly hinder fluid flow between locations on opposite
longitudinal sides of the inflatable element, and/or (ii) wiping
functionality useful for cleaning the inner surface of the
ventilation tube. Typically, cleaning system 100 operates in a
closed system environment.
[0357] During one state of operation, cleaning system 100 cleans
the inner surface of the ventilation tube when the ventilation
tube-connector assembly mediates a substantially air-tight seal
between (i) the ventilator and/or an interior of the ventilator
port and (ii) an interior of the ventilation tube and/or an
interior of the ventilation tube port.
[0358] Concurrently with maintaining of this ventilation
machine-ventilator tube seal, inflatable element 588 may be
positioned within the ventilation tube (e.g., in a distal portion
of the ventilation tube), for example by moving a distal end of
catheter main body 210 in a distal direction towards a distal end
of the ventilation tube. For example, inflatable element 588 may be
distally advanced when inflatable element 588 is in a non-contact
state (i.e., not in contact with the inner surface of the
ventilation tube). After inflatable element 588 is thus positioned,
inflation of the inflatable element induces contact between an
outer surface of inflatable element 588 and the inner surface of
the ventilation tube and/or obstructs (i.e., significant hinders)
longitudinal flow between proximal and distal portions of the
interior of the ventilation tube.
[0359] Upon inflation of inflatable element 588 when the inflatable
element is positioned within the ventilation tube, the inflated
inflatable element forms a sliding boundary which obstructs (i.e.,
significantly hinders) fluid flow to between: (a) a more proximal
portion of an interstitial region outside of catheter main body 210
and within the ventilation tube and (b) locations within the
ventilation tube that are distal to the slidable boundary formed
and delineated by inflatable element 588. This slidable boundary
between the proximal and distal portions may be useful for
facilitating the cleaning of the inner surface of the ventilation
tube (by wiping), for example for substantially confining locations
of negative pressure and/or fluid (e.g., pressurized fluid)
introduced into an interstitial region outside of catheter main
body 210 and within the ventilation tube so that the suction is
introduced predominantly in the proximal portion of the ventilation
tube.
[0360] Distal portion 212 of cleaning catheter 200 is shaped so as
to define one or more distal suction orifices 440, typically
through a lateral wall of distal portion 212. Typically, the one or
more distal suction orifices 440 are located along distal portion
212 at one or more respective locations proximal to inflatable
element 588. Typically, at least one of distal suction orifices 440
(such as all of the one or more distal suction orifices 440) is
located within 1 cm of inflatable element 588, such as within 0.8
cm, e.g., within 0.5 cm of the inflatable element. For some
applications, distal suction orifices 440 have a total
cross-sectional area in aggregate of at least 2 mm2, no more than
25 mm2, and/or between 2 and 25 mm2, such as at least 4 mm2, no
more than 16 mm2, and/or between 4 and 16 mm2.
[0361] Distal suction orifices 440 are supplied with negative
pressure by the suction source and facilitate cleaning of the inner
surface of the ventilation tube. For some applications, material
within the interior of the ventilation tube may be suctioned into
distal suction orifices 440 and proximally transported out of the
ventilation tube, e.g., to a location that is proximal to the
ventilation tube-connector assembly. As described below in detail,
fluid communication between the suction source and distal suction
orifices 440 may be provided by one or more connecting lumens
within or along catheter main body 210. As used in the present
application, including in the claims, "fluid communication"
includes both positive and negative pressure fluid communication,
and thus includes, for example, communication of a positive
pressure or of a suction force.
[0362] For some applications, cleaning system 100 comprises a
substantially impermeable and/or pliable sleeve (labeled with
reference numeral 610 in FIGS. 1A-D of the '074 patent) for
protecting an outer surface of catheter main body 210. In some
embodiments, the sleeve envelops, surrounds, and/or protects at
least some (e.g., at least a majority or at least a substantial
majority, e.g., at least 75% or substantially all of (e.g., at
least 90%)) of an outer surface of a
ventilation-tube-connector-assembly-proximal portion of catheter
main body 210, typically in locations proximal to the
tube-connector assembly and distal to suction port 830 (described
hereinbelow), and typically to inhibit contamination. For some
applications, the sleeve provides this enveloping and/or protection
functionality when a length of the
ventilation-tube-connector-assembly-proximal portion of catheter
main body 210 is at least 5 cm, e.g., at least 10 cm, at least 15
cm, or at least 20 cm.
[0363] For some applications, a length of proximal portion 214 may
be modified by sliding, in a proximal or distal direction, catheter
main body 210 through the ventilation tube-connector assembly.
[0364] For some applications, a distal end of the sleeve is (i)
directly or indirectly attached to and/or (ii) has a location that
is fixed and/or longitudinally fixed relative to the ventilation
tube-connector assembly. For some applications, a longitudinal
position of a location of the distal end of the sleeve corresponds
to a location on the ventilation tube-connector assembly (e.g., at
or near the main body inlet) and/or is longitudinally displaced
from a proximal end (e.g., corresponding to the main body inlet) of
the ventilation tube-connector assembly by at most 5 cm, e.g., at
most 3 cm, at most 2 cm, or at most 1 cm, and/or at most 50%, e.g.,
at most 30%, at most 20%, at most 10% of a length of
ventilation-tube-connector-assembly-proximal portion 214 of
catheter main body 210.
[0365] For some applications, a location of the distal end of the
sleeve is not fixed relative to catheter main body 210. For
example, catheter main body 210 may be longitudinally slidable
within the sleeve at or near a location of the distal end.
Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, a location of
a proximal end of the sleeve is fixed and/or longitudinally fixed
relative to a proximal end of catheter main body 210. For some
applications, the sleeve forms a substantially air-tight seal
between the external environment and an outer surface of the
ventilation-tube-connector-assembly-proximal portion of catheter
main body 210 and/or between the external environment and region of
space outside of an outer surface of the
ventilation-tube-connector-assembly-proximal portion of catheter
main body 210 and within the sleeve.
[0366] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A-D, which are schematic
cross-sectional illustrations of one configuration of closed
suction cleaning system 100 in respective states, in accordance
with an application of the present invention. As mentioned above,
in some configurations input portion 216 of proximal portion of
catheter main body 210 is configured to be inserted into or is
disposed within, and axially slidable with respect to, input module
156.
[0367] Input module 156 is coupled to cleaning catheter 200, and
comprises: [0368] an inflation module 330, which comprises an
inflation chamber 335 (typically separate from the suction source);
[0369] a flow regulator 700, which is (a) shaped so as to define
suction port 830, which is coupleable in fluid communication with
the suction source, and coupled in fluid communication with the
suction source during use of cleaning system 100; [0370] a
mechanical user control assembly 320, which is configured to
mechanically and non-electrically set fluid-control states of flow
regulator 700; and [0371] typically, a housing encasing input
portion 216 of catheter main body 210.
[0372] For some applications, input module 156 comprises exactly
one mechanical user control assembly 320 having the properties
described herein, and/or system 100 comprises exactly one
mechanical user control assembly 320 having the properties
described herein.
[0373] Input module 156 and/or system 100 may comprise further user
control elements that perform control functions in addition to
those performed by mechanical user control assembly 320.
[0374] Input module 156 (mechanical user control assembly 320
thereof) comprises: [0375] a mechanical suction-control button 348,
which is configured to assume at least a first spatial position (as
shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C) and a second spatial position (as shown
in FIGS. 1B and 1D); [0376] a mechanical inflation-control button
338, which is configured to (a) assume at least a first spatial
position (as shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C) and a second spatial
position (as shown in FIG. 1D), and (b) mechanically and
non-electrically increase pressure in the interior of inflation
chamber 335 during a transition of mechanical inflation-control
button 338 from its first spatial position to its second spatial
position (i.e., inflation chamber 335 functions as a compression
pump); and [0377] a reversibly-engageable linking element 322,
which is moveable with respect to mechanical suction-control button
348 and mechanical inflation-control button 338 (as well as with
respect to other elements of input module 156, such as suction port
830 and the housing), and is configured to assume at least (a) a
first spatial position (as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B), in which
linking element 322 does not engage mechanical suction-control
button 348 when mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its
second spatial position (and, optionally, prevents the transition
of mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position), and (b) a second spatial
position (as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D).
[0378] Reversibly-engageable linking element 322 is arranged to be
bidirectionally moveable between its first and second spatial
positions and vice versa.
[0379] Typically, linking element 322 is shaped so as to define a
linking user interface surface, at least a portion (e.g., at least
1 cm2) of which is visible from outside input module 156, and is
accessible by a finger of a user from outside input module 156.
[0380] Input module 156 is arranged such that: [0381] at least when
mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its first spatial
position, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, flow regulator 700 blocks
fluid communication between the suction source and distal suction
orifices 440, and at least when mechanical suction-control button
348 is in its second spatial position, as shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D,
flow regulator 700 connects the suction source and distal suction
orifices 440 in fluid communication via suction lumen 530, and
[0382] when, as shown in FIG. 1C, (a) linking element 322 is in its
second spatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control button
348 and mechanical inflation-control button 338 are in their
respective first spatial positions: depression of linking element
322 transitions both mechanical suction-control button 348 and
mechanical inflation-control button 338 to their respective second
spatial positions, as shown in FIG. 1D, typically such that linking
element 322 engages both mechanical suction-control button 348 and
the mechanical inflation-control button 338 at least when
mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its second spatial
position (and typically also when mechanical suction-control button
348 is in its first spatial position).
[0383] For some applications, input module 156 is shaped so as to
define (a) a suction channel 831, which is in fluid communication
with suction port 830, and (b) a plug 375. Mechanical
suction-control button 348 is arranged to move plug 375 to block or
open suction channel 831. Input module 156 may also comprise a plug
343, which prevents leakage to outside of the input module.
[0384] For some applications, input module 156 is arranged such
that when linking element 322 is in its first spatial position,
such as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, linking element 322: [0385] locks
mechanical inflation-control button 338 in the first spatial
position of mechanical inflation-control button 338, and (b) does
not lock mechanical suction-control button 348 (for example, input
module 156 may comprise a stopper 321 that prevents motion of
linking element 322 in the direction of motion of mechanical
inflation-control button 338), [0386] does not prevent user access
to mechanical suction-control button 348, [0387] does not engage
mechanical suction-control button 348, [0388] engages mechanical
inflation-control button 338, and/or [0389] is not arranged to
transition mechanical suction-control button 348 all the way to its
second spatial position.
[0390] Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, input
module 156 is arranged such that when (a) linking element 322 is in
its second spatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control
button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button 338 are in their
respective first spatial positions: the depression of linking
element 322 simultaneously transitions both mechanical
suction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button
338 to their respective second spatial positions.
[0391] Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, input
module 156 is arranged such that transitioning of linking element
322 from its first spatial position to its second spatial position
simultaneously (a) unlocks the mechanical inflation-control button
338 from its first spatial position, and (b) links the mechanical
suction-control button 348 with mechanical inflation-control button
338.
[0392] For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-D, the
first and the second spatial positions of linking element 322 are
first and second axial positions, and linking element 322 is
configured to assume at least the first and the second axial
positions. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications,
such as shown in FIGS. 1A-D, (a) the first and the second spatial
positions of mechanical suction-control button 348 are first and
second radial positions, and mechanical suction-control button 348
is configured to assume at least the first and the second radial
positions, and/or (b) the first and the second spatial positions of
mechanical inflation-control button 338 are first and second radial
positions, and mechanical inflation-control button 338 is
configured to assume at least the first and the second radial
positions. For some applications, linking element 322 is arranged
to axially slide between its first and second spatial positions.
Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, linking
element 322 is arranged to rotate between its first and second
spatial positions.
[0393] For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348
is disposed proximally (to the right in the figures) to mechanical
inflation-control button 338. Such an arrangement may provide
better ergonomic access to the user.
[0394] For some applications, such as shown in FIGS. 1A-D, linking
element 322 is moveably attached to mechanical inflation-control
button 338; in other words, linking element 322 is attached to
mechanical inflation-control button 338 in a manner that allows
movement of mechanical inflation-control button 338. For example,
linking element 322 may be attached to mechanical inflation-control
button 338 by tracks 323.
[0395] Typically, mechanical suction-control button 348, mechanical
inflation-control button 338, and reversibly-engageable linking
element 322 are able to assume respective infinite numbers of
spatial positions between their respective first and second spatial
positions, as these buttons and element transition between their
respective first and second spatial positions and vice versa. For
some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348,
mechanical inflation-control button 338, and reversibly-engageable
linking element 322 are arranged to move between respective first
and second spatial end-points, and the respective first and the
second spatial positions correspond with the respective first and
the second spatial end-points, respectively. Alternatively, the
respective first and the second spatial positions do not correspond
with the first and the second spatial end-points, respectively
(such as described hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 7A-D), but
instead the respective first spatial positions and/or the second
spatial positions are between the respective first and the second
spatial end-points.
[0396] Input module 156 is typically arranged such that flow
regulator 700 blocks fluid communication between blocks fluid
communication between the suction source and distal suction
orifices 440 not only when mechanical suction-control button 348 is
in its first spatial position, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, but
also during a portion of the intermediate spatial positions, which
are typically contiguous with the first spatial position.
Similarly, input module 156 is typically arranged such that flow
regulator 700 connects the suction source and distal suction
orifices 440 in fluid communication not only when mechanical
suction-control button 348 is in its second spatial position, as
shown in FIGS. 1B and 1D, but also during a portion of the
intermediate spatial positions, which are typically contiguous with
the second spatial position.
[0397] As mentioned above, mechanical inflation-control button 338
is configured to mechanically and non-electrically increase
pressure in an interior of inflation chamber 335 during at least a
portion of the transition of mechanical inflation-control button
338 from its first spatial position to its second spatial position.
For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button 338 is
configured to mechanically and non-electrically increase the
pressure in the interior of inflation chamber 335 during an
entirety of the transition of mechanical inflation-control button
338 from the its first spatial position to its second spatial
position.
[0398] For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348
and mechanical inflation-control button 338 are biased toward their
respective first spatial positions. For some applications, input
module 156 comprises one or more springs 350 that are arranged to
bias mechanical suction-control button 348 and mechanical
inflation-control button 338 toward their respective first spatial
positions. For some applications, input module 156 comprises
exactly one spring 350 that is arranged to bias both mechanical
suction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button
338 toward their respective first spatial positions. Providing a
single spring to bias both mechanical suction-control button 348
and mechanical inflation-control button 338 causes the two buttons
to provide uniform resistance to depression regardless of whether
the healthcare worker depresses one or both of the buttons at a
given time, and is thus ergonomically beneficial. For some
applications, the one or more springs 350 are disposed outside
inflation chamber 335. For example, at least a portion of one of
the one or more springs 350 may be disposed alongside inflation
chamber 335, such as parallel to an axis of motion of mechanical
inflation-control button 338.
[0399] For some applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises (a)
rigid lateral chamber walls, and (b) a moveable rigid compression
wall 333 that forms an airtight seal with the rigid lateral chamber
walls. Input module 156 is configured such that the transition of
mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position moves moveable rigid
compression wall 333 with respect to the rigid lateral chamber
walls, thereby mechanically and non-electrically increasing the
pressure in the interior of inflation chamber 335. For other
applications, the configuration of cleaning system 100 shown in
FIGS. 1A-D implements the configuration of inflation chamber 335
shown in FIGS. 3A-B, in which inflation chamber 335 comprises an
elastic compartment 332, and input module 156 is configured such
that the transition of mechanical inflation-control button 338 from
its first spatial position to its second spatial position
compresses elastic compartment 332, thereby mechanically and
non-electrically increasing the pressure in an interior of elastic
compartment 332.
[0400] For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button
338 is configured to increase the pressure in the interior of
inflation chamber 335 by mechanically and non-electrically
compressing inflation chamber 335 during the at least a portion of
the transition of mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its
first spatial position to its second spatial position. For some of
these applications, inflation chamber 335 transitions from a lower
level of compression to a higher level of compression during the at
least a portion of the transition of mechanical inflation-control
button 338 from its first spatial position to its second spatial
position, and input module 156 is configured to elastically bias
inflation chamber 335 toward the lower level of compression. For
example, the inflation module may be elastically biased toward the
lower level of compression, such as by the one or more springs 350
mentioned above.
[0401] For some applications, (a) mechanical suction-control button
348 is shaped so as to define a suction-control user interface
surface, (b) mechanical inflation-control button 338 is not shaped
so as to define a user interface surface, and (c) linking element
322 is shaped so as to define a linking user interface surface.
Typically, at least 1 cm2 of the linking user interface surface is
visible from outside input module 156, and is accessible by a
finger of a user from outside input module 156. Input module 156 is
arranged such that when (a) linking element 322 is in its first
spatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control button 348 is
in its first spatial position: (a) at least a portion (e.g., at
least 1 cm2) of the suction-control user interface surface is
visible from outside input module 156, and is accessible by a
finger of a user from outside input module 156, and (b) depression
of the suction-control user interface surface transitions
mechanical suction-control button 348 to its second spatial
position. Input module 156 is arranged such that when (a) linking
element 322 is in its second spatial position and (b) mechanical
suction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button
338 are in their respective first spatial positions: depression of
the linking user interface surface transitions both mechanical
suction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button
338 to their respective second spatial positions. Typically, input
module 156 is arranged such that linking element 322, when in its
second spatial position, blocks external access to the
suction-control user interface surface.
[0402] For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button
338 is configured to additionally assume a deflation-inducing
spatial position, and input module 156 further comprises a
mechanical deflation-control button, such as described hereinbelow
with reference to FIGS. 7A-D, mutatis mutandis.
[0403] Typically, suction port 830 is shaped as a conventional
suction port in accordance with hospital standards for coupling to
standard hospital suctions sources. For example, suction port 830
may have a male conical interface. Typically, suction port 830 has
a lumen size that corresponds with the lumen size of conventional
tracheal suction lumens, which generally having a gauge of between
5 Fr to 18 Fr.
[0404] For some applications, input module 156 further comprises a
user signal generator, which is configured to generate a user
signal (e.g., a sound) during at least a portion of a period of
fluid flow into inflation chamber 335 and/or during or upon
deflation of inflatable element 588. The user signal generator may
be electrical and/or mechanical.
[0405] For some applications, inflation chamber 335 has a volume of
at least 1 cc, no more than 10 cc, and/or between 1 and 10 cc
(e.g., at least 1.5 cc, no more than 3 cc, and/or between 1.5 and 3
cc), when mechanical inflation-control button 338 is in its first
spatial position (i.e., not compressed). The volume typically
equals more than 1 times and less than 3 times the volume of
inflatable element 588. Typically, when mechanical
inflation-control button 338 is in its second spatial position
(i.e., compressed), inflation chamber 335 has a volume of at least
1 cc less than when mechanical inflation-control button 338 is in
its first spatial position (i.e., not compressed).
[0406] For suctioning the trachea, typically the following steps
are performed: [0407] inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the
ventilation tube in a proximal to distal direction while inflatable
element 588 is essentially deflated and linking element 322 is in
its first spatial position, such in the state shown in FIG. 1A;
typically, in order to perform "deep suction," the distal end of
the cleaning catheter is advanced beyond the distal end of the
ventilation tube; and [0408] applying suction to the trachea by
transitioning input module 156 to the state shown in FIG. 1B.
[0409] For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action
typically comprises the following steps, which are typically
performed in the following order (the healthcare worker typically
does not perform the cleaning of the ventilation tube immediately
after suctioning the trachea, as described above): [0410] inserting
cleaning catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a proximal to
distal direction while inflatable element 588 is essentially
deflated and linking element 322 is in its first spatial position,
such in the state shown in FIG. 1A; [0411] transitioning linking
element 322 from its first spatial position as shown in FIG. 1A
directly (i.e., not via the state shown in FIG. 1B) to its second
spatial position, as shown in FIG. 1C; [0412] applying suction and
inflating inflatable element 588 at a location near the distal end
of the ventilation tube by transitioning input module 156 to the
state shown in FIG. 1D; [0413] withdrawing the catheter along the
ventilation tube in a distal to proximal direction while the
inflatable element is inflated and suction is applied to the one or
more suction orifices; and [0414] deflating the inflatable element
when the inflatable element is near the proximal end of the
ventilation tube or fully outside the proximal end of the
ventilation tube, by transitioning input module 156 to the state
shown in FIG. 1A.
[0415] For some applications, cleaning system 100 may also be used
for suctioning the trachea outside of and distal to the ventilation
tube, typically when flow regulator 700 is in one of the following
states: [0416] as shown in FIG. 1D, mechanical suction-control
button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button 338 are in their
respective second spatial positions, such that (a) the suction
source and distal suction orifices 440 are in fluid communication,
and (b) inflatable element 588 is inflated, or [0417] as shown in
FIG. 1B, (a) mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its second
spatial position, such that the suction source and distal suction
orifices 440 are in fluid communication with one another, and (b)
mechanical inflation-control button 338 is in its first spatial
position, such that the interior of inflation chamber 335 and the
interior of inflatable element 588 are not in fluid communication
with one another, and inflatable element 588 is thus not
inflated.
[0418] For some applications, the distal end of catheter main body
210 is closed (such as shown). In these applications, tracheal
suction is typically performed by advancing catheter main body 210
far enough beyond the distal end of the ventilation tube such that
at least one of the one or more distal suction orifices 440 is in
fluid communication with the interior of the trachea distally
beyond the end of the ventilation tube. For other applications,
catheter main body 210 is shaped so as to define, in addition to
the one or more distal suction orifices 440, a distal-most suction
orifice at a distal end of distal portion 212 of cleaning catheter
200, distal to inflatable element 588, for example such as
described in above-mentioned U.S. Pat. No. 8,999,074, with
reference to FIGS. 21A-B and 22A-C thereof.
[0419] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A-D, which are schematic
cross-sectional illustrations of another configuration of closed
suction cleaning system 100 in respective states, in accordance
with an application of the present invention. Except as described
hereinbelow, this configuration of cleaning system 100 may
implement any of the features of the configuration of the system
described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, mutatis
mutandis.
[0420] In this configuration, cleaning system 100 comprises, rather
than reversibly-engageable linking element 322, a
reversibly-engageable linking element 324. Unlike in the
configuration of cleaning system described hereinabove with
reference to FIGS. 1A-D, in the present configuration mechanical
suction-control button 348 typically covers a portion of linking
element 324, i.e., is disposed radially outward and over the
portion of linking element 324. Linking element 324 is typically
visible and accessible to the user's finger at edges of the linking
element that protrude laterally from under mechanical
suction-control button 348 (i.e., in direction(s) out of and/or
into the page in FIGS. 2A-D). Reversibly-engageable linking element
324 is arranged to be bidirectionally moveable between its first
and second spatial positions and vice versa.
[0421] Linking element 324 is moveable with respect to mechanical
suction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button
338 (as well as with respect to other elements of input module 156,
such as suction port 830 and the housing), and is configured to
assume at least first and second spatial positions. Input module
156 is arranged such that: [0422] at least when mechanical
suction-control button 348 is in its first spatial position, as
shown in FIGS. 2A and 2C, flow regulator 700 blocks fluid
communication between the suction source and distal suction
orifices 440, and at least when mechanical suction-control button
348 is in its second spatial position, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D,
flow regulator 700 connects the suction source and distal suction
orifices 440 in fluid communication via suction lumen 530, [0423]
when, as shown in FIG. 2A, (a) linking element 324 is in its first
spatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control button 348 and
mechanical inflation-control button 338 are in their respective
first spatial positions: depression of linking element 324 does not
transition mechanical inflation-control button 338 to its second
spatial position, and [0424] when, as shown in FIG. 2C, (a) linking
element 324 is in its second spatial position and (b) mechanical
suction-control button 348 and mechanical inflation-control button
338 are in their respective first spatial positions: depression of
linking element 324 transitions mechanical inflation-control button
338 to its second spatial position, as shown in FIG. 2D.
[0425] For some applications, linking element 324 is arranged to
axially slide between its first and second spatial positions. For
some applications, the first and the second spatial positions of
linking element 324 are first and second axial positions, and
wherein linking element 324 is configured to assume at least the
first and the second axial positions.
[0426] For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, (a) the first
and the second spatial positions of mechanical suction-control
button 348 are first and second radial positions, and mechanical
suction-control button 348 is configured to assume at least the
first and the second radial positions, and (b) the first and the
second spatial positions of mechanical inflation-control button 338
are first and second radial positions, and mechanical
inflation-control button 338 is configured to assume at least the
first and the second radial positions.
[0427] For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, linking
element 324 is moveably attached to mechanical suction-control
button 348.
[0428] For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, input module
156 is arranged such that linking element 324, when in its first
spatial position, does not engage mechanical inflation-control
button 338. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications,
as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, input module 156 is arranged such that
linking element 324, when in its second spatial position, engages
mechanical inflation-control button 338.
[0429] For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, mechanical
suction-control button 348 is disposed proximally to mechanical
inflation-control button 338.
[0430] For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 2A-D, mechanical
suction-control button 348 is shaped so as to define a
suction-control user interface surface, at least a portion (e.g.,
at least 1 cm2) of which is visible from outside input module 156,
and is accessible by a finger of a user from outside input module
156. Mechanical inflation-control button 338 is not shaped so as to
define a user interface surface. Input module 156 is arranged such
that, as shown in FIG. 2A, when (a) linking element 324 is in its
first spatial position and (b) mechanical suction-control button
348 is in its first spatial position: depression of the
suction-control user interface surface transitions mechanical
suction-control button 348 to its second spatial position, as shown
in FIG. 2B. Input module 156 is arranged such that, as shown in
FIG. 2C, when (a) linking element 324 is in its second spatial
position and (b) mechanical suction-control button 348 and
mechanical inflation-control button 338 are in their respective
first spatial positions: depression of the suction-control user
interface surface causes a first transition of mechanical
suction-control button 348 to its second spatial position, which
first transition, via linking element 324, causes a second
transition of mechanical inflation-control button 338 to its second
spatial position, as shown in FIG. 2D.
[0431] For some of these applications, input module 156 is arranged
such that the second transition occurs simultaneously with the
first transition. For some of these applications, input module 156
comprises a cover 329, which is arranged to inhibit user access to
mechanical inflation-control button 338 both when linking element
324 is in its first spatial position and when linking element 324
is in its second spatial position. Typically, input module 156 is
arranged such that cover 329 is stationary with respect to suction
port 830 during motion of either mechanical suction-control button
348 or mechanical inflation-control button 338 between their
respective first and second spatial positions.
[0432] For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348
and mechanical inflation-control button 338 are biased toward their
respective first spatial positions. For some applications, input
module 156 comprises one or more springs 350 that are arranged to
bias mechanical suction-control button 348 and mechanical
inflation-control button 338 toward their respective first spatial
positions. The one or more springs 350 may have any of the
configurations described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.
1A-D.
[0433] For some applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises the
rigid lateral chamber walls, as described hereinabove with
reference to FIGS. 1A-D, while for other applications, inflation
chamber 335 comprises elastic compartment 332, as described
hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D and hereinbelow with
reference to FIGS. 3A-B.
[0434] For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button
338 is configured to additionally assume a deflation-inducing
spatial position, and input module 156 further comprises a
mechanical deflation-control button, such as described hereinbelow
with reference to FIGS. 7A-D, mutatis mutandis.
[0435] For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action
typically comprises the steps described hereinabove with reference
to FIGS. 1A-D, mutatis mutandis.
[0436] Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A-B, which are schematic
illustration of yet another configuration of cleaning system 100 in
respective states, in accordance with an application of the present
invention. The illustrated configuration is identical to the
configuration illustrated in FIGS. 2C-D, except that inflation
chamber 335 comprises elastic compartment 332, and input module 156
is configured such that the transition of mechanical
inflation-control button 338 from its first spatial position to its
second spatial position compresses elastic compartment 332, thereby
mechanically and non-electrically increasing the pressure in an
interior of elastic compartment 332. This configuration of
inflation chamber 335 may be implemented in any of the
configurations described herein, mutatis mutandis.
[0437] Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A-C, which are schematic
cross-sectional illustrations of still another configuration of
closed suction cleaning system 100 in respective states, in
accordance with an application of the present invention. Except as
described hereinbelow, this configuration of cleaning system 100
may implement any of the features of the configuration of the
system described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-D,
and/or 3A-B, mutatis mutandis.
[0438] In this configuration, mechanical suction-control button
348, which is configured to assume at least a first spatial
position (shown in FIG. 4A), a second spatial position (shown in
FIG. 4B), and a third spatial position (shown in FIG. 4C), the
second spatial position between the first and the third spatial
positions. Mechanical inflation-control button 338 (a) is not
shaped so as to define a user interface surface, (b) is configured
to assume at least a first spatial position (shown in FIGS. 4A-B)
and a second spatial position (shown in FIG. 4C), and (c) is
configured to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure
in the interior of inflation chamber 335 during a transition of
mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position.
[0439] In this configuration, input module 156 (mechanical user
control assembly 320 thereof) comprises reversibly-engageable
linking element 324, which, in this configuration, is fixed to
mechanical suction-control button 348, and is configured to assume
at least a first spatial position (shown in FIG. 4A), a second
spatial position (shown in FIG. 4B), and a third spatial position
(shown in FIG. 4C), the second spatial position between the first
and the third spatial positions.
[0440] In this configuration, input module 156 (mechanical user
control assembly 320 thereof) comprises cover 329, which is
arranged to inhibit user access to mechanical inflation-control
button 338.
[0441] In this configuration, input module 156 is arranged such
that: [0442] at least when mechanical suction-control button 348 is
in its first spatial position, as shown in FIG. 4A, flow regulator
700 blocks fluid communication between the suction source and
distal suction orifices 440, and at least when mechanical
suction-control button 348 is in its second and third spatial
positions, as shown in FIGS. 4B-C, flow regulator 700 connects the
suction source and distal suction orifices 440 in fluid
communication via suction lumen 530, [0443] a first transition of
mechanical suction-control button 348 from its first spatial
position (as shown in FIG. 4A) to its second spatial position (as
shown in FIG. 4B) causes a second transition of linking element 324
from its first spatial position (as shown in FIG. 4A) to its second
spatial position (as shown in FIG. 4B), and [0444] a third
transition of mechanical suction-control button 348 from its second
spatial position (as shown in FIG. 4B) to its third spatial
position (as shown in FIG. 4C) causes a fourth transition of
linking element 324 from its second spatial position (as shown in
FIG. 4B) to its third spatial position (as shown in FIG. 4C), which
in turn causes a fifth transition of mechanical inflation-control
button 338 to its second spatial position (as shown in FIG. 4C).
For example, linking element 324 may engage an indentation 344
defined by inflation-control button 338.
[0445] This arrangement allows the user to depress a single user
interface button (mechanical suction-control button 348), and to
sequentially first cause activation of suction and subsequently
cause inflation of inflatable element 588. Typically, during this
transition, before inflation of inflatable element 588 begins, at
least 30% of the maximum suction is achieved. In other words, input
module 156 is configured to apply a maximum level of suction to
distal suction orifices 440 when mechanical suction-control button
348 is in its third spatial position, and input module 156 is
configured, during a transition of mechanical suction-control
button 348 from its first spatial position to its third spatial
position via its second spatial position, to apply at least 30% of
the maximum level of suction to distal suction orifices 440 before
inflation of inflatable element 588 begins.
[0446] For some applications, input module 156 is arranged such
that the first transition does not move mechanical
inflation-control button 338. Alternatively or additionally, for
some applications, input module 156 is arranged such that the first
transition does not radially move mechanical inflation-control
button 338. For some applications, input module 156 is arranged
such that the fifth transition occurs simultaneously with the
fourth transition.
[0447] For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 4A-C, (a) linking
element 324 is radially-moveable, (b) the first, the second, and
the third spatial positions are first, second, and third radial
positions, respectively, and (c) linking element 324 is configured
to assume at least the first, the second, and the third radial
positions. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications,
(a) the first, the second, and the third spatial positions of
mechanical suction-control button 348 are first, second, and third
radial positions, and mechanical suction-control button 348 is
configured to assume at least the first, the second, and the third
radial positions, and (b) the first and the second spatial
positions of mechanical inflation-control button 338 are first and
second radial positions, and mechanical inflation-control button
338 is configured to assume at least the first and the second
radial positions.
[0448] For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348
is shaped so as to define a suction-control user interface surface,
at least 1 cm2 of which is visible from outside input module 156,
and is accessible by a finger of a user from outside input module
156, and wherein depression of the suction-control user interface
surface causes the first and the third transitions. For some
applications, less than 1 cm2 of linking element 324 is visible
from outside input module 156, and is accessible by a finger of a
user from outside input module 156.
[0449] For some applications, linking element 324 is shaped so as
to define a linking user interface surface, at least a portion
(e.g., at least 1 cm2) of which is visible from outside input
module 156, and is accessible by a finger of a user from outside
input module 156, and wherein depression of the linking user
interface surface causes the first and the third transitions.
[0450] Typically, input module 156 is arranged such that cover 329
is stationary with respect to suction port 830 (as well as with
respect to other elements of input module 156, such as the housing)
during motion of either mechanical suction-control button 348 or
mechanical inflation-control button 338 between their respective
first and second spatial positions.
[0451] For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 4A-C, mechanical
suction-control button 348 is disposed proximally to mechanical
inflation-control button 338.
[0452] For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348
and mechanical inflation-control button 338 are biased toward their
respective first spatial positions. For some applications, input
module 156 comprises one or more springs 350 that are arranged to
bias mechanical suction-control button 348 and mechanical
inflation-control button 338 toward their respective first spatial
positions. The one or more springs 350 may have any of the
configurations described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.
1A-D.
[0453] For some applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises the
rigid lateral chamber walls, as described hereinabove with
reference to FIGS. 1A-D, while for other applications, inflation
chamber 335 comprises elastic compartment 332, as described
hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D and 3A-B.
[0454] For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button
338 is configured to additionally assume a deflation-inducing
spatial position, and input module 156 further comprises a
mechanical deflation-control button, such as described hereinbelow
with reference to FIGS. 7A-D, mutatis mutandis.
[0455] For suctioning the trachea, typically the following steps
are performed: [0456] inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the
ventilation tube in a proximal to distal direction while inflatable
element 588 is essentially deflated, such in the state shown in
FIG. 4A; typically, in order to perform "deep suction," the distal
end of the cleaning catheter is advanced beyond the distal end of
the ventilation tube; and [0457] applying suction to the trachea by
transitioning input module 156 to the state shown in FIG. 4B.
[0458] For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action
typically comprises the following steps, which are typically
performed in the following order: [0459] inserting cleaning
catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a proximal to distal
direction while inflatable element 588 is essentially deflated,
such in the state shown in FIG. 4A; [0460] applying suction and
inflating inflatable element 588 at a location near the distal end
of the ventilation tube by transitioning input module 156 to the
state shown in FIG. 4C; [0461] withdrawing the catheter along the
ventilation tube in a distal to proximal direction while the
inflatable element is inflated and suction is applied to the one or
more suction orifices; and [0462] deflating the inflatable element
when the inflatable element is near the proximal end of the
ventilation tube or fully outside the proximal end of the
ventilation tube, by transitioning input module 156 to the state
shown in FIG. 4A.
[0463] Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A-C, which are schematic
cross-sectional illustrations of still another configuration of
closed suction cleaning system 100 in respective states, in
accordance with an application of the present invention. Except as
described hereinbelow, this configuration of cleaning system 100
may implement any of the features of the configuration of the
system described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-D,
3A-B, and/or 4C-D, mutatis mutandis.
[0464] In this configuration, mechanical suction-control button 348
is configured to assume at least a first spatial position (shown in
FIG. 5A), a second spatial position (shown in FIG. 5B), and a third
spatial position (shown in FIG. 5C), the second spatial position
between the first and the third spatial positions. In this
configuration, mechanical inflation-control button 338 (a) is not
shaped so as to define a user interface surface, (b) is configured
to assume at least a first spatial position (shown in FIGS. 5A-B)
and a second spatial position (shown in FIG. 5C), and (c) is
configured to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure
in the interior of inflation chamber 335 during a transition of
mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its first spatial
position to its second spatial position.
[0465] In this configuration, input module 156 (mechanical user
control assembly 320 thereof) comprises reversibly-engageable
linking element 322, which, in this configuration, is fixed to
mechanical suction-control button 348, and is configured to assume
at least: (a) a first spatial position (shown in FIG. 5A), in which
linking element 322 does not engage mechanical inflation-control
button 338, (b) a second spatial position (shown in FIG. 5B), and
(c) a third spatial position (shown in FIG. 5C), in which linking
element 322 engages mechanical inflation-control button 338,
wherein the second spatial position is between the first and the
third spatial positions.
[0466] In this configuration, input module 156 (mechanical user
control assembly 320 thereof) comprises a moveable stopper 321,
which is moveably fixed to input module 156, and which is
configured to assume at least: [0467] a first spatial position, as
shown FIG. 5B, in which moveable stopper 321 blocks a first
transition of linking element 322 from its second spatial position
to its third spatial position (moveable stopper is also shown in
its first spatial position in FIG. 5A), and [0468] a second spatial
position, as shown in FIG. 5C, in which moveable stopper 321 does
not block the first transition of linking element 322 from its
second spatial position to its third spatial position.
[0469] For some applications, moveable stopper 321 is shaped so as
to define a blocking surface, which, when moveable stopper 321 is
in its first spatial position, blocks the first transition of
linking element 322 from its second spatial position to its third
spatial position.
[0470] Input module 156 is arranged such that: [0471] at least when
mechanical suction-control button 348 is in its first spatial
position, as shown in FIG. 5A, flow regulator 700 blocks fluid
communication between the suction source and distal suction
orifices 440, and at least when mechanical suction-control button
348 is in its second and third spatial positions (as shown in FIGS.
5B and 5C, respectively), flow regulator 700 connects the suction
source and distal suction orifices 440 in fluid communication via
suction lumen 530, and [0472] when (a) linking element 322 is in
its second spatial position, (b) mechanical suction-control button
348 is in its second spatial position, (c) mechanical
inflation-control button 338 is in its first spatial position, and
(d) moveable stopper 321 is in its second spatial position:
depression of the mechanical control button causes a second
transition of mechanical suction-control button 348 to its third
spatial position, which second transition, via linking element 322,
causes a third transition of mechanical inflation-control button
338 to its second spatial position, as shown in FIG. 5C.
[0473] For some applications, input module 156 is arranged such
that the third transition occurs simultaneously with the second
transition.
[0474] For some applications, linking element 322 is shaped so as
to define a linking user interface surface, at least a portion
(e.g., at least 1 cm2) of which is visible from outside input
module 156, and is accessible by a finger of a user from outside
input module 156, and depression of the linking user interface
surface transitions mechanical suction-control button 348 from its
first spatial position, to its second spatial position, to its
third spatial position.
[0475] For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348
is shaped so as to define a suction-control user interface surface,
at least a portion (e.g., at least 1 cm2) of which is visible from
outside input module 156, and is accessible by a finger of a user
from outside input module 156, and wherein depression of the
suction-control user interface surface transitions mechanical
suction-control button 348 from its first spatial position, to its
second spatial position, to its third spatial position
(configuration not shown).
[0476] For some applications, as shown in FIGS. 5A-C, (a) linking
element 322 is radially-moveable, (b) the first, the second, and
the third spatial positions are first, second, and third radial
positions, respectively, and (c) linking element 322 is configured
to assume at least the first, the second, and the third radial
positions. Alternatively or additionally, for some applications, as
shown in FIGS. 5A-C, (a) the first, the second, and the third
spatial positions of mechanical suction-control button 348 are
first, second, and third radial positions, and mechanical
suction-control button 348 is configured to assume at least the
first, the second, and the third radial positions, and (b) the
first and the second spatial positions of mechanical
inflation-control button 338 are first and second radial positions,
and wherein mechanical inflation-control button 338 is configured
to assume at least the first and the second radial positions.
[0477] For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348
is disposed proximally to mechanical inflation-control button
338.
[0478] For some applications, mechanical suction-control button 348
and mechanical inflation-control button 338 are biased toward their
respective first spatial positions. For some applications, input
module 156 comprises one or more springs 350 that are arranged to
bias mechanical suction-control button 348 and mechanical
inflation-control button 338 toward their respective first spatial
positions. The one or more springs 350 may have any of the
configurations described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.
1A-D.
[0479] For some applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises the
rigid lateral chamber walls, as described hereinabove with
reference to FIGS. 1A-D, while for other applications, inflation
chamber 335 comprises elastic compartment 332, as described
hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D and 3A-B.
[0480] For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button
338 is configured to additionally assume a deflation-inducing
spatial position, and input module 156 further comprises a
mechanical deflation-control button, such as described hereinbelow
with reference to FIGS. 7A-D, mutatis mutandis.
[0481] For suctioning the trachea, typically the following steps
are performed: [0482] inserting cleaning catheter 200 into the
ventilation tube in a proximal to distal direction while inflatable
element 588 is essentially deflated and moveable stopper 321 is in
its first spatial position, such in the state shown in FIG. 5A;
typically, in order to perform "deep suction," the distal end of
the cleaning catheter is advanced beyond the distal end of the
ventilation tube; and [0483] applying suction to the trachea by
transitioning input module 156 to the state shown in FIG. 5B.
[0484] For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action
typically comprises the following steps, which are typically
performed in the following order: [0485] inserting cleaning
catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a proximal to distal
direction while inflatable element 588 is essentially deflated and
moveable stopper 321 is in its first spatial position, such in the
state shown in FIG. 5A; [0486] transitioning moveable stopper 321
to its second spatial position; [0487] applying suction and
inflating inflatable element 588 at a location near the distal end
of the ventilation tube by transitioning input module 156 to the
state shown in FIG. 5C; [0488] withdrawing the catheter along the
ventilation tube in a distal to proximal direction while the
inflatable element is inflated and suction is applied to the one or
more suction orifices; and [0489] deflating the inflatable element
when the inflatable element is near the proximal end of the
ventilation tube or fully outside the proximal end of the
ventilation tube, by transitioning input module 156 to the state
shown in FIG. 5A.
[0490] Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A-C, which are schematic
illustrations of yet another configuration of cleaning system 100
in respective states, in accordance with an application of the
present invention. This configuration may be used in combination
with any of the other configurations describe herein, mutatis
mutandis. In this configuration, input module 156 comprises at
least two springs 350, one of which is arranged to bias mechanical
suction-control button 348 toward its first spatial position, and
second of which is disposed within inflation chamber 335.
[0491] Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A-D, which are schematic
cross-sectional illustrations of still another configuration of
closed suction cleaning system 100 in respective states, in
accordance with an application of the present invention. Except as
described hereinbelow, this configuration of cleaning system 100
may implement any of the features of the configuration of the
system described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D, 2A-D,
3A-B, 4C-D, 5A-C, and/or 6A-C mutatis mutandis.
[0492] In this configuration, mechanical inflation-control button
338 is configured to additionally assume a deflation-inducing
spatial position, as shown in FIG. 8B. The first spatial position
is between the deflation-inducing spatial position and the second
spatial position. Mechanical inflation-control button 338 is
configured to mechanically and non-electrically increase pressure
in the interior of inflation chamber 335 during transition of
mechanical inflation-control button 338 from its deflation-inducing
spatial position to its first spatial position, and from its first
spatial position to its second spatial position. Although
mechanical inflation-control button 338 is shown as not being fixed
to spring 350, mechanical inflation-control button 338 may
alternatively be fixed to spring 350.
[0493] In this configuration, input module 156 further comprises a
mechanical deflation-control button 850, which is arranged such
that when mechanical inflation-control button 338 is in its first
spatial position, as shown in FIG. 7A, depression of mechanical
deflation-control button 850 transitions mechanical
inflation-control button 338 from its first spatial position to its
deflation-inducing spatial position, thereby deflating the
inflatable element, as shown in FIG. 8B. Typically, the healthcare
worker can use the same single hand to depress mechanical
deflation-control button 850 and advance the catheter down the
ventilation tube; optionally, mechanical deflation-control button
850 is shaped and arranged like a gun trigger. As used in the
present application, including in the claims, "deflate" means
reduce a level of inflation of, and does not require completely
uninflating inflatable element 588. Typically, inflatable element
588 is partially inflated when mechanical inflation-control button
338 is in its first spatial position (this is typically also the
case in all of the configurations described herein, even though the
drawings do not reflect this). This is typically the case because
inflatable element 588 comprises a non-compliant material (if
inflatable element 588 were instead to comprise a medical-grade
elastic material such as elastic silicone, that fully deflates in
its resting state, manufacturing would be more difficult, e.g.,
because it is difficult to adhere silicone to the PVC that the
catheter typically comprises).
[0494] For some applications, mechanical inflation-control button
338 is in a resting state when in its first spatial position.
Typically, mechanical deflation-control button 850 is released
before mechanical inflation-control button 338 is transitioned from
its first spatial position to its second spatial position.
[0495] For some applications, input module 156 comprises one or
more springs 350 that are arranged to bias mechanical
inflation-control button 338 from its second spatial position
toward its first spatial position. For some applications, the one
or more springs 350 are not arranged to bias mechanical
inflation-control button 338 from its first spatial position toward
its deflation-inducing spatial position.
[0496] For some applications, the deflation-inducing, the first,
and the second spatial positions are deflation-inducing, first, and
second radial positions, and mechanical inflation-control button
338 is configured to assume at least the deflation-inducing, the
first, and the second radial positions.
[0497] For some applications, inflation chamber 335 comprises the
rigid lateral chamber walls, as described hereinabove with
reference to FIGS. 1A-D, while for other applications, inflation
chamber 335 comprises elastic compartment 332, as described
hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 1A-D and 3A-B.
[0498] For suctioning the trachea, typically the following steps
are performed: [0499] depressing mechanical deflation-control
button 850 to deflate inflatable element 588, as shown in FIG. 7B;
it is desirable for inflatable element 588 to be as deflated as
possible while it is advanced down the ventilation tube, in order
to avoid the inflatable element pushing bacterial biofilm and
mucous, which is on the wall of the ventilation tube, down the
ventilation tube and into the trachea; [0500] inserting cleaning
catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a proximal to distal
direction while inflatable element 588 is essentially deflated,
such in the state shown in FIG. 7B; typically, in order to perform
"deep suction," the distal end of the cleaning catheter is advanced
beyond the distal end of the ventilation tube; and [0501] applying
suction to the trachea by transitioning input module 156 to the
state shown in FIG. 7C.
[0502] For cleaning a ventilation tube, the cleaning action
typically comprises the following steps, which are typically
performed in the following order: [0503] depressing mechanical
deflation-control button 850 to deflate inflatable element 588, as
shown in FIG. 7B; it is desirable for inflatable element 588 to be
as deflated as possible while it is advanced down the ventilation
tube, in order to avoid the inflatable element pushing bacterial
biofilm and mucous, which is on the wall of the ventilation tube,
down the ventilation tube and into the trachea; [0504] inserting
cleaning catheter 200 into the ventilation tube in a proximal to
distal direction while inflatable element 588 is essentially
deflated, such in the state shown in FIG. 7B; [0505] applying
suction and inflating inflatable element 588 at a location near the
distal end of the ventilation tube by transitioning input module
156 from the state shown in FIG. 7B directly (i.e., not via the
state shown in FIG. 7C) to the state shown in FIG. 7D; [0506]
withdrawing the catheter along the ventilation tube in a distal to
proximal direction while the inflatable element is inflated and
suction is applied to the one or more suction orifices; and [0507]
deflating the inflatable element when the inflatable element is
near the proximal end of the ventilation tube or fully outside the
proximal end of the ventilation tube, by transitioning input module
156 to the state shown in FIG. 7B.
[0508] In the description and claims of the present application,
each of the verbs, "comprise," "include" and "have," and conjugates
thereof, are used to indicate that the object or objects of the
verb are not necessarily a complete listing of members, components,
elements or parts of the subject or subjects of the verb. The
articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more
than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the
article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more
than one element. The term "including" is used herein to mean, and
is used interchangeably with, the phrase "including but not limited
to." The term "or" is used herein to mean, and is used
interchangeably with, the term "and/or," unless context clearly
indicates otherwise. The term "such as" is used herein to mean, and
is used interchangeably, with the phrase "such as but not limited
to."
[0509] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other
references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their
entirety. In case of conflict, the present patent specification,
including definitions, will prevail. In addition, the materials,
methods, and examples are illustrative only and not intended to be
limiting.
[0510] For brevity, some explicit combinations of various features
are not explicitly illustrated in the figures and/or described. It
is now disclosed that any combination of the method or device
features disclosed herein can be combined in any manner--including
any combination of features--any combination of features can be
included in any embodiment and/or omitted from any embodiments.
[0511] The scope of the present invention includes embodiments
described in the following applications, which are assigned to the
assignee of the present application and are incorporated herein by
reference. In an embodiment, techniques and apparatus described in
one or more of the following applications are combined with
techniques and apparatus described herein. It is noted that the
phrase "fluid-control state" used herein may, for some
applications, correspond in some respects to the phrases "mode,"
"activation mode," and/or "operating mode" referred to in the
following applications (although many of the configurations of
these states described herein differ in at least some respects from
the configurations of the modes described in the following
applications). It is also noted that the phrase "mechanical user
control element" used herein may, for some applications, correspond
in some respects to the word "switch," referred to in the following
applications (although many of the configurations of these states
described herein differ in at least some respects from the
configurations of the modes described in the following
applications): [0512] PCT Publication WO/2012/131626 to Einav et
al. [0513] GB 2482618 A to Einav et al.; [0514] UK Application GB
1119794.4, filed Nov. 16, 2011; [0515] U.S. Provisional Application
61/468,990, filed Mar. 29, 2011; [0516] U.S. Provisional
Application 61/473,790, filed Apr. 10, 2011; [0517] U.S.
Provisional Application 61/483,699, filed May 8, 2011; [0518] U.S.
Provisional Application 61/496,019, filed Jun. 12, 2011; [0519]
U.S. Provisional Application 61/527,658, filed Aug. 26, 2011;
[0520] U.S. Provisional Application 61/539,998, filed Sep. 28,
2011; [0521] U.S. Provisional Application 61/560,385, filed Nov.
16, 2011; [0522] U.S. Provisional Application 61/603,340, filed
Feb. 26, 2012; [0523] U.S. Provisional Application 61/603,344,
filed Feb. 26, 2012; [0524] U.S. Provisional Application
61/609,763, filed Mar. 12, 2012; [0525] U.S. Provisional
Application 61/613,408, filed Mar. 20, 2012; [0526] U.S.
Provisional Application 61/635,360, filed Apr. 19, 2012; [0527]
U.S. Provisional Application 61/655,801, filed Jun. 5, 2012; [0528]
U.S. Provisional Application 61/660,832, filed Jun. 18, 2012;
[0529] U.S. Provisional Application 61/673,744, filed Jul. 20,
2012; [0530] PCT Publication WO 2013/030821 to Zachar et al.;
[0531] U.S. Pat. No. 8,999,074 to Zachar et al; [0532] UK
Application 1600233.9, filed Jan. 6, 2016; [0533] U.S. Provisional
Application 62/287,223, filed Jan. 26, 2016; [0534] U.S.
Provisional Application 62/319,640, filed Apr. 7, 2016; [0535] U.S.
Provisional Application 62/336,894, filed May 16, 2016; [0536] U.S.
Provisional Application 62/336,753, filed May 16, 2016; [0537] U.S.
Provisional Application 62/376,102, filed Aug. 17, 2016; [0538]
U.S. application Ser. No. 15/363,782, filed Nov. 29, 2016; and
[0539] International Application PCT/IL2016/051367, filed Dec. 22,
2016.
[0540] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that
the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly
shown and described hereinabove. Rather, the scope of the present
invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the
various features described hereinabove, as well as variations and
modifications thereof that are not in the prior art, which would
occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing
description.
* * * * *